Stand with the Burkes in Their Health Journey

The Burke family is amidst a double whammy health crisis - we are small - just 2 of us and we are both amidst a medical emergency at the same time

On December 11 - my 39 year old son Davin suffered a stroke - he is home from 4 months in the hospital now doing his outpatient rehabilitation and I am serving as his fulltime caregiver in Colorado. He has a good recovery prognosis and has retained all of his executive function. He is improving, however his walking, speech, and vision continue to challenge him. His progress and recovery evolution will take time and patience.

Amidst this, I have been suffering from an as yet undiagnosed serious digestive issue for the last 3 years. During this time I had to take 18 months off work because of how ill I was. I was self employed and did not have insurance. I had the savings and chose to utilize a functional medicine approach, inclusive of medical lab analysis, for six months. I experienced some health improvement.

In May of 2023, I was able to recover enough to return to work and secured a position, with great health benefits, serving the State of Alaska workforce as an OSHA safety inspector.

I spent the next 8 months doing significant medical investigation into my continued ailment. After enduring every type of testing you can imagine, (which included multiple cancer scares) the doctors have determined that I have hyperthyroidism, caused by black mold poisoning found in my Anchorage apartment, for which I have begun treatment, and begun to have some improvement. The thyroid problem appears to only be half of the issue, there are stillsignificant GI problems we have yet to solve and begin to treat.

I am currently on Family and Medical Leave from my job. While this protects the job for my return and pays for health benefits, the salary is suspended. I have not received an income since December 2023.

With my sons and my own medical bills mounting and as we continue to search for a diagnosis, I have been the full time primary caregiver of Davin during his recovery. Given I have been on leave for 6 months, I am experiencing significant financial strain.

As hard as it is for me to ask for it, we are in need of community support.

I am raising $10,000 to help cover off ongoing out of pocket medical expenses as I search for a diagnosis, while I help my son achieve independence.

With community support, we can reduce the burden of unpaid caregiving support, ongoing out of pocket medical expenses, living expenses, transition support back to my job in Alaska after my leave, and provide the space and financial relief for me to focus on my health recovery and supporting my son’s recovery.

Many thanks for your prayers and support !