Help Save Stacey: Mold Toxicity Crisis

Hello, my name is Daniel Hamilton, and for the past year and a half, I’ve watched my dear friend Josh Smith fight a heartbreaking and exhausting battle to save his wife Stacey’s life.

What began as a mysterious decline in Stacey’s health has become a living nightmare — severe mold toxicity, a relentless, invisible threat that has upended their world. This isn’t about simply changing apartments or throwing away furniture. This is about life and death.

Josh and Stacey have moved more than a dozen times across multiple states, often leaving everything behind because mold spores can cling to even the smallest item. Each time, they’ve started over from scratch with nothing but their love, their faith, and the determination to stay ahead of the illness that threatens to take Stacey’s life.

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.” — Isaiah 43:2

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18

Josh and I have had very personal conversations — the kind you never forget. I’ve heard his voice crack. I’ve listened as he’s broken down in tears, terrified that he’s going to lose his wife. This is a strong man — a hardworking, faithful, loyal husband — but this disease has brought him to his knees.

And still, Josh and Stacey push forward, held together by an unbreakable bond and their unwavering belief that God is walking with them through this fire.

️ The Latest Devastation

Recently, after moving into a new apartment they hoped would be their fresh start, Stacey began showing familiar and terrifying symptoms. They brought in a mold-detecting K9, and the dog immediately alerted to multiple areas. They were moved across the hall—only to discover mold there too.

While traveling to see her doctor, two devastating messages came through:

Her bloodwork showed mold levels that were nearly off the charts. The doctor’s response was clear and urgent:

“GET HER OUT OF THERE IMMEDIATELY.”

A trusted inspector found mold had spread beneath the flooring and contaminated the entire subfloor in their unit.

Stacey was told she can never go back.

A picture has been attached to show what they were living with for 3 months. This is only a small part of what was discovered in their apartment.

Once again, they had to abandon everything—clothing, furniture, cookware, mattresses—because the risk to her health is simply too high.

Now, with savings nearly gone and resources depleted, Josh must relocate them again. Not for comfort. Not for luxury. To keep his wife alive.

What Is Mold Toxicity?

Mold toxicity—also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)—is a devastating illness that attacks every part of the body. It’s misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and often dismissed — yet it destroys lives.

Here’s what Stacey has been fighting:

Common Symptoms of Mold Toxicity

(Especially in those with genetic susceptibility)

Neurological / Cognitive,

Brain fog, Memory loss, Headaches/migraines, Depression or anxiety, Mood swings, Insomnia, Vision issues

Respiratory,

Sinus infections, Wheezing or coughing, Shortness of breath, Post-nasal drip

Immune / Inflammatory

Chronic fatigue, Joint and muscle pain, Rashes, hives, Low-grade fevers, Sensitivity to chemicals

Gastrointestinal;

Nausea, Bloating, Diarrhea or constipation, Appetite loss

Hormonal Disruption

Thyroid issues, Adrenal fatigue, Irregular periods, Low libido

Cardiovascular

Irregular heartbeat, Chest tightness, Dizziness or fainting

Cognitive & Emotional Toll

Mold toxins inflame the brain and nervous system, leading to:

Personality shifts, Panic attacks, Disassociation (“not feeling like yourself”), Emotional instability

Mold illness is not just in the head — it attacks the brain, lungs, gut, immune system, and heart.

Why Stacey Is So Vulnerable

Roughly 25% of people carry a gene (HLA-DR) that prevents the body from detoxing mold. Stacey is one of them. Even microscopic exposure can spiral into a full-blown health crisis.

The Risks of Staying Exposed

If not removed from toxic environments, mold illness can lead to:

Autoimmune disease, Permanent brain or lung damage, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibromyalgia, And in severe cases, death

And yet — through every painful step — Josh and Stacey remain rooted in faith and in each other.

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” — 2 Corinthians 4:8

“Faith is not believing that God can… it is knowing that He will.” — Ben Stein

How You Can Help

This GoFundMe is set up to help cover:

Emergency relocation to a safe environment

Medical travel and testing

New clothes and basic essentials

Follow-up care and detox protocols

They’ve lost everything more times than anyone should. But they haven’t lost their hope.

Please stand with them now — whether by donating, sharing, or lifting them in prayer.

Let’s help them breathe again. Let’s help them rebuild — again.

Let’s make sure they don’t have to walk this road alone.

With all my heart,

Daniel Hamilton