Join Us in Dave's Fight Against Lyme Disease

As many of you may or may not know, our good friend Dave has been experiencing intermittent nerve and joint issues for the past couple of years. In the beginning, it was thought that his lymphoma had returned, but after many doctor visits and tests it has been determined that he has contracted Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread to humans through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, also known as a deer tick. While they can’t pinpoint the exact date of infection, the classic bull’s-eye mark and symptoms have led them to this diagnosis.

Unfortunately, Dave’s health has gotten progressively worse over the past several weeks causing a variety of issues including severe joint pain and swelling, dizziness, inflammation, nerve pain, chest pain, blurred vision, severe headaches, swollen lymph nodes, and debilitating fatigue. Lyme Disease can be treated with heavy antibiotics if caught early enough, but that has not been successful for him thus far. They can only assume it’s in the advanced stages, and one of the only treatment centers for “curing” the disease is located in Arizona. The catch … he will be required to move down there to endure 8-12 weeks of intensive treatment at approximately $8,000 per week. Unfortunately, none of these costs are covered by insurance.

Many have asked how they can help, but covering the medical and living expenses in AZ is their biggest hurdle right now. They aren’t typically ones to ask for help, but we feel Dave has done so much for others that this fund drive is the least we can do. Dave has been a volunteer in the local wrestling & football community for 25+ years and has given so much of his time and commitment to our youth and high school programs. Our hope is that by spreading word, this same community can come together and help them in this time of need.

They will travel to Arizona next Thursday, August 22, for the 1st round of bloodwork with treatments soon to follow. Any donation … big or small ... will help relieve the stress they’re under trying to ensure he gets the full treatment needed to kill this virus. Dave’s family will continue to run the business while also working reduced hours at their full-time jobs as they travel to/from AZ to be with him. If you need shirts, awards, or trophy orders, please leave a message and someone will get back to you.

As someone who has spent endless hours volunteering and cheering on our kids, it’s time for us to step up and be HIS cheerleaders. PLEASE help spread the word to friends and family. Dave doesn’t know a stranger, and we want him back to the ornery guy we all know and love.

If you’re not comfortable donating via this page, you may also donate in person at any American National Bank under the name David Putnam … account ending in 11243.

If you’re unable to give, we ask that you please pray for them. Pray that the doctors will have answers. Pray that the treatments are successful. Pray for peace and strength for the entire family as they travel down this road of unknowns.

We wish him the best of luck and will make every attempt to provide updates as we have them.