Support Noah's Fight Against Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis

Scroll down to read Noah's full story.

This is a story no one ever wants to tell. We understand that many others are fighting their own battles, and we appreciate any support you can offer. Your donation would help Noah focus on healing and alleviate the financial stress of bills and daily expenses while he remains out of work. Additionally, your support would enable him to explore alternative treatments not covered by insurance.

Noah is an independent contractor, meaning he does not receive any sick time or short/long-term disability benefits to cover his time off for treatment. He has already been out of work for six months, and doctors have indicated it could be up to a year or longer before he can fully recover.

Here is a glimpse into Noah's battle:

Why do bad things happen to good people? Noah's story is a testament to that question. He is facing a rare battle with Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever) that has spread to his brain and spinal cord.

Over a decade ago, Noah was diagnosed with Valley Fever. After years of taking medication, he was eventually cleared to stop. He thought that was the last time he would ever have to worry about it.

Fast forward to summer 2023, when Noah began experiencing debilitating headaches. Over the course of a month and a half, he visited the emergency room multiple times, only to be told he had a bad migraine. This continued until he was vomiting every 15 minutes and losing consciousness. After an emergency ride to the hospital and a spinal tap, doctors discovered he was fighting a severe case of meningitis. The meningitis wreaked havoc on his brain, creating lesions and causing permanent damage. Due to the constant vomiting and inability to eat, he also lost a significant amount of muscle mass and weight—nearly 50 lbs in one month. Hospital staff informed his wife and family that given the severity of his condition, they were amazed he had pulled through.

During his nearly month-long hospital stay, doctors conducted extensive testing but couldn't determine the cause of the meningitis. They speculated that the Valley Fever had returned, and as a precaution, he was placed back on the same medication he took years earlier. Over the next six months, Noah relearned how to walk and drive, trying to live a life doctors called his “new normal.” It was not the quality of life anyone would want for him. He still suffered from almost daily debilitating headaches, nausea, vomiting, and severe vertigo. Every day he felt as if he were drunk, yet he pushed through the discomfort to attempt daily tasks. These symptoms prevented him from returning to work.

Most recently, in April 2024, Noah began experiencing the same symptoms as last year. He returned to the hospital, where another spinal tap confirmed he had meningitis again and had developed a brain infection. After several days of testing, doctors found traces of the Valley Fever fungus in his cerebrospinal fluid, confirming it was fungal meningitis and brain images also showed new lesions. Doctors theorize that the Valley Fever had returned and migrated to his brain and spinal cord, growing silently and slowly over the years. The medicine he was prescribed had failed because the Valley Fever fungus had built up resistance to it.

After nearly a month in the hospital, Noah successfully fought off the brain infection. Now, a long journey with many unknowns lies ahead. For the next month or two, Noah will receive daily, extremely strong infusions to combat the Valley Fever. Since it has spread to his brain and spinal cord, he will never fully be rid of it. Doctors hope the infusions will reduce the fungus to a level where he can take new and stronger oral medication. However, the infusions come with significant risks, and can cause permanent damage to his kidneys and other organs. Nurses also have shared that the medicine is so strong it can feel similar to chemotherapy.

We don't know what the future holds for Noah. After the infusions, he will have to start from the beginning again, returning to physical therapy to improve his motor skills and build up the strength and energy to complete daily tasks. Driving and returning to work are distant goals.

*We believe in the power of prayer! We ask that you keep Noah in your prayers during this challenging time.*