Join Olivia Joy's Fight Against Lyme Disease

My name is Gigi Thibodeau, and I’m organizing this fundraiser on behalf of my dear friend, Olivia Joy St. Claire—a gifted artist, published photographer and writer, teacher, nature lover and curious explorer of life and the natural world, who is currently battling chronic Lyme disease. Joy has been struggling since November 2021, and the toll this illness has taken on her body, spirit, and finances is profound.

Those familiar with Joy know her as an avid hiker, outdoorswoman, and artist. A friend once nicknamed her the “Intrepid Explorer” because of the way she immerses herself in nature, sharing its beauty and healing qualities through photographs and films. For years, she inspired others with her deep reverence for the natural world, leading workshops and meditations that helped people connect with their creativity.

In November 2021, she developed severe neck pain, fatigue, headaches, joint swelling and muscle pain; then she found a rash on the back of her thigh. She went to urgent care and was diagnosed with Lyme disease when the rash was determined to be erythema migrans (the telltale bullseye rash). In these 3 and a half years, Joy has had to gradually cut back on her hiking, photography and teaching classes.

Since that initial diagnosis, her symptoms have worsened. Joy suffers from migrating joint and muscle pain, brain fog and cognitive issues, tremors (similar to phantom phone vibrations), heart palpitations, neuralgia, fatigue, ocular migraines, chronic hives and bouts of vertigo and nausea. Despite these debilitating symptoms, Joy has not been able to receive comprehensive care. Most of her doctors have addressed symptoms in isolation—ordering heart tests, physical therapy or rheumatoid screenings—but have not considered the broader picture of chronic Lyme and co-infections. Her visits to the ER, physical therapy, and countless appointments have left her with significant medical debt due to a high-deductible insurance plan. She simply cannot afford the specialized testing and treatment often required for chronic Lyme—much of which is not covered by insurance or Medicare.

We never really know what others are going through despite the lens of social media. Because of her symptoms, Joy’s life slowly began changing. Her five to ten mile forays into the wilds for hours with her camera have now become a memory. Shortly after her diagnosis, Joy’s partner unexpectedly passed away a month before she was about to move into his home. With her health issues worsening, 8 months later she lost her apartment when her landlord sold her unit. Unable to find affordable housing within 30 days, she went into a winter rental and stayed with friends and house/pet sat for the 5 months during high season for the past two years. Joy has been fairly private about her circumstances. By being transparent about her position, she believes she can make a difference through placing a spotlight on some of the issues of Lyme Disease, including lack of medical support for Lyme patients, housing instability, and medical debt.

Despite her challenges, Joy continues to encourage and uplift others. Much of her previous life was spent volunteering at food pantries, animal shelters, and at the hospital, offering pet therapy with her dog Maggie May. Her photography and workshops have helped many people find their creative voice and connect with nature and mindfulness in meaningful ways. She remains a bright, inspiring presence, even while enduring pain and uncertainty.

Now Joy needs our help. Funds raised will go directly toward:

Your support—of any amount—will make a difference. Please consider donating today. And if you’re unable to give financially, your help in sharing with friends and community is so appreciated.

Thank you for being part of Joy’s journey healing from Lyme Disease.

With gratitude,

Gigi Thibodeau

P.S. Joy wanted me to share with you this link to her free meditations as a thank you for any support or sharing you are able to offer.