Hi, my name is Jody and I'm fundraising on behalf of my dear friend, Natalie, who needs ongoing medical testing and treatments that she is unable to pay herself.

I met Natalie just last year after she performed with a great community of musicians that we are both a part of. I had no idea at the time that she was enduring so much pain and struggle but I'm glad she opened up to me and now we've become really great, supportive friends. It wasn't long before I realized just how strong her spirit is. Natalie is a born comedian and on the flipside, she's a poet who feels the pain and writes really deep thoughts and lyrics. She could make writing a career but lately, her hands and fingers have been so painful to touch, I've offered to be her pen.

Natalie has a long history of illness that has progressively become worse over several decades. I learned that she has struggled since early childhood with numerous illnesses that went untreated. During her childhood, she presented with a bullseye rash followed by pneumonia, bronchitis and fatigue that has lingered most of her life.

"I was a singer, actor, nanny, nurturer and advocate for others." ~ Natalie

Natalie has courageously tried to make the best of her life situation. As an adult she has tried to care for herself and has often put others needs before her own. She realizes now that she must put her health first. Natalie has seen many doctors who have diagnosed her with several ailments including cancer, bronchitis, gastroparesis, CFS/fibromyalgia, pneumonia, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, chronic sinus infections, brain fog and challenges with cognitive function over the past few years.

In 2010, Natalie was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, after presenting with symptoms continuously for over a year-and-a-half to her past medical team.

Natalie has met with a Lyme TBD Specialist who suspects she has the following vector borne infections:

Lyme, Bartonella, possible BAB (Babesiosis), and relapsing fever. Natalie desperately needs a panel of specific lab tests to get a confirmed diagnosis.

In 2018, Natalie was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy.

In 2019, Natalie was exposed to mold and again became extremely sick needing antibiotics that wrecked more havoc on her fragile body.

In March of 2020, she was the first patient of her oncologists to be diagnosed with COVID which, after several months turned into a diagnosis of 'Long COVID '"

In 2021, Natalie had a severe reaction to the second jab, leaving her bedridden for several months.

Since early 2022, Natalie has been in a "flare", a chronic illness that has contributed to her current condition. In early May, she became extremely ill and found herself again in another "crash", a sudden and significantly worsened function.

The pain and inflammation all over her body have left Natalie physically unable to work. It pains me and other close friends to know that her bills are piling up and her rent is overdue. I know she feels defeated and as you can imagine, this has taken a very painful emotional and physical toll on her.

Natalie has met with a Lyme TBD Specialist who has diagnosed her with Bartonella, possible BAB (Babesiosis), and relapsing fever. Natalie desperately needs a panel of specific lab tests to get a confirmed diagnosis. Natalie needs further testing for other diseases that have plagued her since early childhood. These tests and treatments run upwards of $2,700 per panel. A recent CT scan of her legs revealed lesions in her shin and thigh bones so further testing is needed.

With your help, Natalie will be able to get the medical treatments and testing she so desperately needs so she can put the puzzle pieces of her medical history together with an effective treatment plan will be successful. The treatment will be a long healing process but one which promises some pain relief and peace of mind.

Natalie hopes to return to her fo love, her love of music! She looks forward to days of wellness so she can get back into the 'swing-of-things': creating original works and performing on-stage again with her family of friends.

Please consider donating any amount that you can and help Natalie win this battle going on inside her body. She would also greatly appreciate any support or kind words of encouragement. Thank you.