Hope for Molly: A Nurse's Battle Against Lyme Disease

Molly chose a life of service. She grew up a kind and gentle soul, with fierce determination and an awe-inspiring artistic streak. Molly studied hard and became a Registered Nurse at the young age of 22. Right after graduation, she was working in the busiest ER in Canada, helping people and caring for the sick and injured. A year later (since May 2023), we are saddened to say that Molly is severely ill, is on long-term disability from work and has had to move back home with her mom and stepdad. Her mom, Karen, is currently her full-time caregiver, making her meals, driving her to appointments, and is continuously researching and looking for answers and treatments. Some days, Molly can make herself one meal and do some light walking, but most days, she cannot get out of bed due to her debilitating symptoms. She cannot drive for more than 10-15 minutes, and has trouble standing for long periods (over 15 minutes).

After over a year and a half of research, multiple scans, tests, painful biopsies, specialist appointments, doctors, alternative practitioners, and visits with perplexed doctors and naturopaths, Molly finally got diagnoses to explain her crippling joint pain, debilitating exhaustion, weight loss, muscle weakness, persistent swollen lymph nodes and much more.

Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted by ticks and it is increasingly becoming rampant in Canada. Molly doesn’t know how or when she contracted Lyme, but it has been confirmed by multiple blood tests sent to Germany and the United States, as the Canadian medical system is not equipped for testing for Lyme properly.

Molly’s former apartment unfortunately had a mould problem, which led to her suffering from mould build-up and toxicity. Her doctor said that this may have been a trigger for the Lyme surfacing at this point.

Thankfully, through an enormous amount of research and advocacy by her mom, Karen, she was able to get an appointment with a doctor in Toronto, who specializes in Lyme disease and other complex disorders. The functional medicine team consists of a medical doctor (a leading Lyme expert in North America), a Lyme-literate naturopath, a nurse practitioner and a nutritionist, who are working together with Molly to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. We finally have hope that with the numerous measures that have been discussed, Molly will get better and be able to live a healthy and strong life again.

I am Molly’s Auntie Tanya and I am humbly asking for your support to help with Molly’s road to recovery and wellness. She is such a bright light on this planet, full of love and happiness. Despite all her health struggles, she still greets life with a smile on her face and focuses on helping others. She recently started crocheting preemie baby hats for a local hospital. She has a long road to recovery, but with community support, we have faith that she will be able to get back to full health; back to her beloved nursing profession, to her full life with her amazing partner, Leon, and to being social again with her large group of friends.

What the funds will cover

Our goal is to cover 2 years of out of pocket medical expenses for Molly. Treating for Lyme is not covered by our provincial health care coverage and is very expensive. The following breakdown is strictly to cover the costs of the medical testing, procedures and supplements that Molly has to undergo to get better. It does not cover her mother’s additional expenses related to providing a modified celiac-safe & keto diet, travel/gas for medical appointments, time off work to help Molly, etc. (but of course mama would do it all anyway!). We are desperately trying to avoid going to the States - one estimation of cost for treatment in the States, is over $300,000.

Molly’s Treatment Plan

1. Testing: Estimated total cost: $10,000-$12,000

2. Appointments with Lyme team: Estimate total cost: $7500

3. Supplements: Estimated total cost: $20,000

4. Getting the right nutrition: Estimated cost of nutritionist consultation: $800

5. Exercise: Estimated cost of gym membership + physio: $2000/year

6. Antibiotics: Cost unknown

Other ways to support

The family would also really appreciate non-monetary support, if you are able to help in that way. Some examples of ways to help Molly, in lieu of financial support are:

Thank you sincerely from our hearts to yours. We truly appreciate your kindness, generosity and support for our dear Molly.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

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