Hi friends -

As some of you might know, my sister, Anna, has been battling complications from late-stage Lyme disease and co-infections. It was about a year and a half ago when she finally received an accurate diagnosis after several years of searching for answers as more symptoms began to appear and worsen over time.

Everyday since has been an uphill battle for her, never knowing what each day will bring. Although she started treatment some time ago and has been seen by many different doctors, she has progressively worsened over the last several months, resulting in more serious and debilitating symptoms.

A single tick bite can carry not only Lyme, but several co-infections that can be fatal if left untreated or misdiagnosed. These infections are able to attack every cell and organ of the body, severely compromising the immune system and resulting in devastating effects. Chronic and profound fatigue, cognitive impairment, multiple chemical and EMF sensitivities, breathing, heart and nervous system issues, seizures and neuropathy are just some of the many symptoms a person with late-stage/undiagnosed Lyme may experience. Many people are often dismissed or misdiagnosed by conventional medicine, typically seeing up to 30 or more doctors before finding their Lyme diagnosis, allowing several years to pass resulting in more complex treatment and worsening of the disease. Anna has had her share of hospital stays and surgeries over the last few years never understanding what the root cause was that no doctor could seem to find.

Anna has been home bound going on nine months due to the serious sensitivities and a number of other mentioned symptoms. She has also gone the last six months with no television, phone, Wifi or any form of modern day means of technology simply because her body is too weak to tolerate these invisible electronic toxins (EMF’s)(that we as a society immerse ourselves in everyday without understanding the potentially dangerous consequences that come with it.)

Since she worsened this past year, she was forced to close down her mental health practice and has been unable to work. Medical care since her diagnosis and moving forward is 100% out-of-pocket and costs the average Lyme patient tens of thousands of dollars each year. After exhausting the doctors and care that have failed to get her better, a different and alternative approach to treatment is now needed. The financial stress of this needed treatment, in addition to all the previous testing, doctors and failed treatments are now weighing heavy for her and husband Matt.

We realize this is a large goal, but it is simply just a portion of how much the first phase of this treatment is. Any contribution you are able to give, whether that be prayers or financial assistance is greatly appreciated.

A word from Anna:

“It has been an extremely emotional and brutal journey. I never would have thought a single bite of a tick could turn my life upside down, especially being the healthy and active person I was. Awareness and prevention is key and could save you or someone you know from years of suffering, heartache and financial distress.

My heart goes out to all the individuals being ignored, dismissed and misdiagnosed. We in the Lyme community have a long battle ahead of us to fight for drastic changes within our current medical system. Too many lives are being taken, both from the medical complications that come with undiagnosed Lyme, in addition to the lives taken by suicide from the multitude of layers of trauma that often accompanies this illness; leaving many left feeling hopeless and alone.

I look so forward to the day I am back to myself so I can use my story and experiences to advocate for others, spread awareness and inspire hope to those that need it. Thank you to everyone that has been a part of my journey.”

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