It is always very hard for me to ask for help but after suffering tremendous pain and stress over the last year it’s about time.

Hi, my name is Lindsey. I’m 21 years old and was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease and mold exposure, though I’ve been struggling with scary and debilitating symptoms for a year now. Daily tasks such as showering and putting on clothes are exhausting and challenging. Because I’ve been undiagnosed and have had Lyme for years possibly, the disease has progressed past what can be solved through a two week course of antibiotics. Chronic Lyme treatment isn’t covered by insurance and I need all of the financial help I can get right now.

Being in pain every single day has completely changed me. I am not myself. I don’t even look like myself anymore. I can’t remember the last time I woke up and felt okay. It’s embarrassing and excruciating mentally to watch my body fail me as it progresses. More often than not, my hands and arms are numb or in severe pain. My symptoms first developed July 2021 as nerve pain and have since spread all over my body into my joints, muscles, spine, digestive system, arms and legs, making it very difficult to work, make art, or take care of my basic needs at times. It’s really unpredictable when my body will decide to go out of commission for weeks at a time.

If left untreated, Lyme can spread to your nervous system, brain, and heart, and you can be left with lasting consequences. I am hopeful that many of my symptoms can be put into remission with my new doctor and treatment plan, but it’s going to take time and a lot of resources.

The last year has been absolute hell. I honestly didn’t know it could get this bad and I’m beyond tired of being in this body. I have one more year of undergraduate left at UNC Asheville and I am counting on treatment in order to make it to graduation and continue building my art career. Moving my body is taxing, so working and creating has been hard, and it would be so helpful to have less financial stress so that I can focus on taking care of my immediate needs.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. I’m not used to being vulnerable or asking for help but I appreciate your support more than words can say.