My name is Mary, Nikki’s mother, and I am creating this GoFundMe in the hopes that we can continue to provide Nikki with the necessary medical treatment she needs to fight Chronic Lyme disease. Along with Lyme, Nikki also has Bartonella, Babesia, Mycoplasma, Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus, and Chronic Candida. Due to Immunodeficiency, Nikki has mold toxicity and environmental mycotoxins, adding additional complexities to treatment. She has been diagnosed with Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID), and Mitochondria Disease.

Navigating daily life with a chronic illness like Lyme Disease presents numerous unseen challenges. Nikki is a dedicated young teacher whose resilience has allowed her to complete her Master's Degree despite her illness. But these hurdles significantly impact her ability to maintain a consistent routine and fulfill her passion for education. The burden of medical expenses and specialized care, which often require lengthy travel, can be overwhelming, adding further strain to an already difficult situation. All funds raised will go to help alleviate the financial strain experienced by Nikki and her family.

Nikki continues to struggle daily with severe and debilitating symptoms despite receiving various forms of treatment for over four years. Systemic inflammation has impacted all major organs and has caused significant impairments in daily functioning. Nikki has encephalitis, which causes severe migraines, neck pain, and cognitive impairment. Encephalitis also impacts mental health and has led to severe anxiety, OCD behaviors, and auditory and visual hallucinations. Nikki also has myocarditis, prolonged QT, and heart palpitations. She also suffers from kidney disease and regularly suffers from kidney stones. Severe inflammation throughout her digestive system makes eating difficult and has caused significant weight loss from nausea and vomiting.

Over the course of the last four years, we have been paying primarily out-of-pocket for all of Nikki’s medical treatments, due to the fact that the health care system’s refusal to accept Lyme disease as being chronic. Her father Mike, who is retired, and myself, have spent well over $100,000 on Nikki’s treatments, going through our 401k savings and taking out loans. We are currently in the process of getting a port placed with home health treatment and an at-home infrared sauna for detoxing. The money raised will be used to help pay for medical appointments and various medications. It will also help pay for HBOT, detox therapy, Stem Cell and PRP injections, and other forms of recommended treatment. On average, each month, because insurance doesn’t cover treatment, we are spending over $5,000 a month on treatment. Due to the severity of symptoms, Nikki will likely need treatment indefinitely throughout life and any money raise will help make her qualify if life better.