Tammy's Journey:
Tammy has been battling Lyme disease for 14 years. The years have been devastating physically and financially. Once an avid hiker, Tammy is now bed bound. A vibrant and social person who loved laughter and the outdoors, Tammy is now extremely sensitive to noise and light. She experiences chronic fatigue, tremors, and violent seizures that leave her paralyzed and unable to speak for hours.

For Tammy to continue her fight against Lyme disease and the viruses associated with it, she needs our help. The ongoing expenses for medical treatments, tests, and therapies―plus the attorney fees regarding her disability case―are astronomical. And at this stage in the disease’s progression, Tammy requires around-the-clock care and pain management.

We would greatly appreciate your donations. Every bit helps toward improving Tammy’s quality of life and searching for a treatment that works. We’ll be posting updates on Tammy’s progress, so please visit us again soon.

Meet Tammy and her partner Laura

Please also share Tammy’s story to help us spread awareness of Lyme disease. While there is no known cure, there is some promising new science and a few experimental treatments in Europe that could help. With your support, there is hope for Tammy and the 300,000+ people in the U.S. who are diagnosed with Lyme each year.

The Progression of Tammy's Lyme Disease:






Videos:
Preparing Tammy for a trip to see the doctor. She must wear headphones, sunglasses, and hats to protect her from noise and light, which trigger seizures.

Feeding Tammy through an eye dropper. Sometimes her breathing and swallowing functions are impaired.

Helping Tammy through a series of seizures triggered by a nurse tapping her knee to test her reflexes. It can take days for Tammy to regain the use of her arms and legs.

A Message From Tammy:
“I truly hope one day that I will again walk, be able to be around groups of people, go shopping, see movies, listen to music, play with my grandchildren, and so much more. I continue to look for the silver lining in this dark cloud that has been following me for years. When thinking of me, please see me as healthy and interacting with you like I used to as that is what I am aiming for. I have been envisioning the medications and treatments healing my body and giving me strength. I believe collectively with your help, these visualizations will become reality and I will once again be able to function with a higher quality of life. Blessings to you all.”

How It Started:
In 2004, Tammy enjoyed a 3-week tour of several national parks with her son. On that trip she was bitten by a tick that carried the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria known to cause Lyme disease. At first Tammy felt ill, with a sore throat and flu-like symptoms. After several weeks of extreme fatigue, her doctor ran some blood tests. Soon she was admitted to the hospital, struggling to breathe and experiencing seizures. 

For the next decade, Tammy was tested and treated for various neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, myasthenia gravis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. She underwent numerous therapies (occupational, speech, vestibular, physical) and has tried natural remedies and Eastern medicine. Her case was even presented to the boards at UCSF and Stanford. But the doctors kept sending her home.

Tammy had to go on disability as she could no longer work. But Tammy and her family kept searching for answers. Finally they were referred to a doctor who specializes in Lyme disease. After 10 long years of setbacks, Tammy was officially diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease and three co-infections. She has been doing everything in her power to battle Lyme (with a severely compromised immune system) ever since.

Tammy’s Current Situation:
In December 2017, Tammy had another PICC line put in. This is a tube inserted into a vein in her arm that goes all the way to her heart. Through this line she receives intravenous medications and antibiotics directly to the bloodstream, so they can reach the brain easier. She also receives immunoglobulin subcutaneously to combat her autoimmune issues.

Since early March 2018, Tammy has been on a slow decline. She experiences severe neuropathic pain in her legs that leaves her in tears. She has also developed severe abdominal pain. A few weeks ago Tammy had excruciating lower-back pain that would not subside. She had two steroid treatments―the first one offered some relief; the second one caused an adverse reaction. Tammy entered home hospice on the spot for palliative care.

Her sister Tera and her partner Laura worked around-the-clock to manage Tammy’s pain and keep her calm. Even though a trip to the hospital would trigger more seizures, they had no choice but to admit her because the doctors feared she may have a spinal fracture. Tammy’s 4-hour-long MRI did not find a fracture. Next the doctors requested a spinal tap to look for inflammation protein markers. Lyme only tests positive 20% of the time in spinal fluid.  

We’re not exactly sure what the next step will be—home hospice, palliative care, a skilled nursing facility, or a rehab center. There is also a treatment center in Germany that specializes in Lyme. If we can raise enough funds, this might be a possibility.

More About Tammy:
Originally from Kentucky, Tammy raised two children as a single mom while working full-time and putting herself through college. She was very involved with her children's school and found time to volunteer in the community. Always an active and health-conscious person, Tammy was fond of organic gardening, hiking, bicycling, and waterskiing. Bright, hard-working, and tenacious, Tammy was also a valued team member in the tech world. Her colleagues were devastated when they learned about her health issues.

Her sister Tera describes her beautifully: “Tammy has a zest for life unlike anyone I've known. There is never a challenge too big or a task too small. Everything has meaning and purpose. Life is about living and making the best out of every situation. It is that positive attitude that has kept Tammy alive and fighting. She never gives up and refuses to quit. Her courage and strength inspire all who know her.”

Tammy met her loving partner Laura 14 years ago, just as the health issues started. Laura has been by her side ever since. Tammy and Laura have been married for the past 11 years and live with their dashingly handsome cat, Arthur. They enjoy the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, British comedies, and the occasional meat pie.

Learn More About Lyme Disease:
http://www.christinegreenmd.com/services/lyme-treatment/
https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/index.html