Hi friends and family,

Many of you may know that Maddie has been walking through health struggles for many years that have gotten increasingly more difficult for her.   The last few years she has experienced relentless symptoms such as severe headaches, deep fatigue, joint and muscle pain, weakness, nausea, feverishness, mood swings, anxiety, and depression.  She was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease, which has helped explain her worsening symptoms, including extremely high estrogen levels. All of these things together have left her feeling like a completely different person, one who is struggling to do even the simplest daily tasks. After seeking wisdom and counsel, she made the difficult decision to step away from in person classes at her college, the Institute for Global Outreach Developments, for a time so that she can focus on recovery.

Lyme disease is an infection carried by ticks, and when it goes untreated it can cause long-term illness that resembles autoimmune disorders. For Maddie, it has been affecting every part of her life and taking away her ability to function as she wants to.

Maddie's doctors have advised her to pursue treatment with Dr. Ben Erlandson in Wisconsin, a physician who has successfully helped a couple of Maddie’s friends and thousands of patients through recovery from Lyme. You can learn more about his clinic at erlandsonclinic.com. The treatment plan will cost $4,200, beginning with a $500 deposit, and Maddie will also need to cover travel expenses and lost income while she undergoes treatment.

This season has been incredibly painful and humbling, but Maddie's deepest desire is to be restored to health so that she can serve the Lord and His people with all of who she is in a whole and effective way. We believe God has purpose even in this season, and we are trusting Him to use it for His glory.

If you feel led to give financially toward the cost of treatment, it would be a tremendous gift and encouragement to us all. Even more than that, we ask for your prayers, for healing, peace, and strength as Maddie takes this step forward.