Help Willow (& Cowboy) become free of toxic mold

To my community and beyond,

I am reaching out to ask for support during a difficult time. I have recently learned that my chronic health issues over the last few years are all stemming from exposure to toxic mold. I am working with a biotoxin illness / mold specialist doctor in order to bio-remediate my environment and start a detox protocol in order to remove the toxic mold and mycotoxins from my body. This will help reduce the chronic inflammation because my body is overloaded with biotoxins and cannot process them properly. I have experienced the following symptoms, most of which are a daily struggle and can be debilitating at times: extreme bloating, IBS symptoms, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, brain fog, difficultly concentrating, low energy, memory issues, insomnia, depression, anxiety, headaches, vision changes (floaters, light sensitivity), allergic conjunctivitis, rapid unexplained weight gain, body aches, TMJ, skin issues (rashes, acne, melasma), dizziness, and more.

I have tested positive my the presence of mycotoxins in my body which are the are the toxic metabolite produced by toxic mold. These imbed into your body in areas like the GI tract, liver, kidneys, lungs, sinuses and more. In order to remove these mycotoxins and calm down the chronic inflammation in my body I need to no longer be chronically exposed to toxic mold, in addition to taking a lengthly protocol of medications. Unfortunately my health insurance does not cover the protocol I need to take over the next 6 months.

Per my doctor’s advice, I performed an ERMI test which checks for the overall levels of water damage mold and common household mold in one’s environment. The results were shocking. When dealing with toxic mold illness I need to be living in an environment that tests lower than a level 2. My current apartment is at a level 4.

I’ve decided against pursuing a remediation route due to the extreme expenses likely occurred on my behalf (including hiring an inspector to create a remediation plan, which is often upwards of $2,000 in addition to the cost of remediation which can be $5,000 - $15,000) and the emotional trauma of having to move out all of my belongings and move the back into the apartment in hopes that the remediation was successful. This would all require extensive cooperation from my landlord and as a renter in a building from the 1940’s, I am not confident that it would be worth the immense headache or time spent. I am looking to start feeling better and healing as soon as possible. So far I have yet to hear a response from my landlord regarding my request to terminate my lease immediately with no penalties. If they push back, I will be forced to take further action in order to safeguard my health. If they insist I pay lease termination fees that will cost me $2,175.

My doctor is advising me to relocate immediately to a much newer, cleaner, and water damage free building. It is also important for the health of my dog, Cowboy, that we relocate immediately. I wish it were just as simple as moving my belongings to a new place but unfortunately it isn’t. I have to follow a strict and extensive cleaning protocol in order to ensure that I will not be bringing mold spores or mycotoxins (which are invisible) into my new, clean space. This requires me to clean every single item (that is allowed to be brought with me) with a mold spore and mycotoxin killing solution. Unfortunately due to the nature of mold spores / mycotoxins countless porous items cannot be taken with me. Including but not limited to my mattress, couch, unsealed/ unfinished wood furniture, upholstered chairs, pillows, rugs, photographs, paper, lamp shades, dog toys, dog bed, any porous items over a 1/2 inch thick, wooden utensils and cutting boards, and so much more.

I am facing a huge amount of expenses that I was not prepared for. Including but not limited to fees for securing a new apartment (upwards of $2,000), moving supplies, moving truck, replacing countless household items (including a mattress, couch, rug, etc), HEPA vacuum (my current vacuum does not accept a HEPA filter and this is essential to the bio-remediation process), high quality air filters, handheld fogger machine, mold / mycotoxin killing solution, blood tests (my insurance doesn’t cover any), ERMI home mold tests, supplements, sauna treatment, manual lymphatic drainage massage, and countless other items.

Toxic mold illness has affected every facet of my life the last two + years and I’m ready to take it back. I hope to share my story to raise mold awareness and prevent others from having to experience this.

Thank you <3