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Lyme Disease Treatment for Anna

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I met my fiancée Anna 5 years ago. As I got to know her, I learned that - within one conversation with someone - she could empathize, debate, educate, entertain and inspire! We loved to hike, swim, laugh and have all kinds of adventures in Western MA and beyond. She would speak passionately and knowledgeably about  a myriad of intersectional human rights issues. She was full of hope and excitement to help improve the world!

In 2015, during her first semester in graduate school, Anna developed blurred vision, memory loss, disabling head pain, fatigue, and numbness in her hands and feet. Anna made the difficult decision to quit school to focus on her health not realizing how long it would take to receive a diagnosis. After seeing 12 specialists, having countless MRIs, and undergoing a spinal tap, Anna was diagnosed with Neurological Lyme Disease. In the fall 2016, she began treatment, however, the disease has been largely unremitting and has compromised various body systems; it is deeply embedded in her central nervous system. While her memory and fatigue have greatly improved, she still suffers from chronic pain, compromised vision, adrenal insufficiency, and autonomic response dysfunction.

Anna is still the amazing woman with whom I fell in love. However, over time, I have witnessed what this disease has taken from her. It affects all aspects of her living, and has chipped away at her zest for life. After her diagnosis, we have continued to seek out specialists to treat the many aspects of this disease. With every new approach, we have felt renewed optimism for significant improvement. Her specialists have guided her through various medications, supplement regimens, nutritional protocols, therapies, etc. Each year that passes, Anna delays graduate school for “one more year,” and we postpone our wedding for “one more year.” Essentially, our life is on hold because Lyme Disease won’t let Anna go. We feel it is time to take a more aggressive approach, so that Anna can get her life back.

Most of Anna's treatment has not been (and continues to not be) covered by her insurance. Her parents have been wonderful and supportive, but treatment has been extremely expensive. Beyond that, in order to treat the Disease more aggressively, Anna desperately wants to go to an inpatient Lyme disease treatment center. At these centers, doctors can utilize new approaches to treatment. They can also gain a better understanding the complexities of her illness. With that treatment and  knowledge, they can help her better manage her disease, so she can function semi-normally. She is currently considering two centers, one in Germany and one in Florida, but both are extremely costly.

Anna is so strong, and I feel proud of her every day.  Anna's life goals involve using her talents to improve the lives of others. She can only reach those goals if we help improve her nervous system function now. Please consider contributing. 

Thank you!
Biz
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Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $100 
    • 6 yrs
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Organiser

Biz Taylor
Organiser
Westhampton, MA

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