Allison’s 22-Year Lyme Disease Battle

Hi, my name is Corinne, and I'm fundraising for my friend, Allison Ingenthron. Allison Ingenthron is a 38-year-old adult diagnosed with chronic neurological Lyme disease and tick-borne infections 22 years ago due to a tick bite. At that time, Lyme disease was rare, and testing and diagnosis were not done in Canada. Unfortunately, she didn’t get the proper treatment right at the outset.

Allison experiences many symptoms of Lyme disease, including arthritis, concentration issues, chronic joint pain, brain fog, nerve pain, anxiety, depression, fevers, headaches, tiredness, Crohn’s disease, chronic anemia, weakened immune system and sleep disturbances. She was also diagnosed with COPD (a breathing disorder due to smoking being allowed in her non-smoking apartment). She cannot work or drive and requires weekly home care to help with shopping and basic needs such as grocery shopping, attending appointments, cooking, cleaning, etc.

Allison presently lives in Victoria, BC near her Mom, but due to her Mom’s financial and medical struggles, she cannot provide the support her daughter needs. Allison just received a rent increase notice and can no longer afford housing, groceries, medical care and necessary medications in Victoria. Furthermore, one of her specialists recently retired without notice due to health issues. This wonderful and compassionate doctor was paying out-of-pocket for his clients to access rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, etc. Because he has left his practice, this desperately-needed transportation coverage has ended.

Allison believes that her only option is to move back to her hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta, where she was born and raised, where she will have strong support, more affordable housing, and better access to medical care. Realistically, she is anticipating the move within the next 3-4 months.

I am fundraising to cover the following expenses for Allison:

• U-Haul truck rental

• A driver to drive the U-Haul from Victoria to Medicine Hat

• Basic living expenses for 3-4 months after arriving in Alberta. This would include basic living expenses, housing, home care, transportation, etc. Unfortunately, this process can’t be started until she arrives in Medicine Hat; coverage for some of these needs may only take effect three months after applying

• The $250 portion of her rent increase for the next 3-4 months was covered by BC Housing subsidy but has now ended.

Allison would be so thankful for any help, large or small, to assist with her present financial difficulties in Victoria, her relocation to Medicine Hat, and assistance until she gets on her feet in Alberta.

Thank you for all the love, support and prayer during this incredibly challenging time. It means so much! We would greatly appreciate it if you would share this on your social media platforms. Thank you!