Hello! My name is Avery, and for over five years I’ve been living through the destructive and devestating reality of Chronic Lyme disease. This illness has completely changed my life - physically, mentally, and financially. I’ve spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on treatments and medical care, and while my funds are now low, the costs continue to rise. Last year I lost my job and currently have no steady income, as I’m unable to work and disability is not on anyones side. I believe deeply in my healing - I just need some help getting there.
Every treatment, medication, and medical device I rely on is paid for out of pocket, and each one costs thousands of dollars.
My health began declining in 2018, and in 2022 Lyme spread to my brain, causing meningitis that turned into encephalitis. I lost feeling on the entire right side of my body and spent years bed-bound, leading to severe muscle atrophy and cognitive challenges like aphasia and dementia-like symptoms.
Over the past six months, I’ve had to relearn how to walk, breathe, swallow, and chew. Full-body neuropathy often feels like being lit on fire or electrocuted. It has been isolating and overwhelming — but I am determined to heal and return to the vibrant life I once loved.
The funds raised through this campaign will go directly toward my medical expenses, including treatments, medications, medical devices, and neurological and spinal rehabilitation. Your support helps me keep going, even on the hardest days.
If you feel moved to support my healing journey, any amount truly makes a difference - and I am endlessly grateful for your kindness.
Beyond my own healing, I care deeply about giving back to the community that has carried me through this journey. I want to help create space for conversations that are often missing in our medical system - especially around pain, empathy, and chronic illness. So many people suffer in silence because they don’t feel seen or believed. I believe the words we use about pain matter, and when pain is acknowledged with compassion instead of stigma, it can support healing both emotionally and physically. Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces.
Right now, I already do this informally within the Lyme community — offering support, holding space, and helping others find words for what feels impossible to describe. While I’m not ready to launch anything formal yet, this is the heart behind my healing journey: not just surviving, but turning my pain into purpose and helping others feel less alone.
H.O.P.E — Hold. On. Pain. Ends.
If you’re unable to donate, please know that simply sharing my story or opening the conversation about Lyme disease also makes a difference. This illness lives in the shadows of our medical system - and awareness brings light where it’s desperately needed.
If you want to cut out the taxes, Zelle and Venmo are also available, and I am deeply grateful for every form of support.
Venmo: @Avery-woodhouse