My name is Jen Triano, and I am reaching out today with a heavy heart to ask for support.

It’s hard to believe I am creating a GoFundMe page; however, my health has had a devastating effect on me and my parents.

Anyone that knows me will know I’ve been seriously struggling with my health for a long time. After years of doctors, specialists, tests, bloodwork, medications, and hospitalizations, I was finally diagnosed with late-stage chronic Lyme disease. In this stage, the bacterial infection had spread throughout my entire body and nervous system, which caused cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurological, and physical issues.

Living with chronic Lyme disease, you normalize things that most people will never feel, from high levels of pain daily, brain fog so intense it’s hard to speak or focus, passing out, constant medical procedures and trauma, even needing rest after simple tasks. You end up completely isolated from friends, family, a career, and life events. The isolation takes a toll on your mental health. In my 30s, I went back to school and graduated from medical school with honors. Prior to graduating, I’d been offered a job for the cardiologist where I did my externship; however, my health deteriorated quickly, preventing me from working, and I became housebound and reliant on my parents for everything. I also have Addison's disease, which is a rare condition that damages the adrenal glands when your immune system attacks your body's own cells and organs, which can lead to a life-threatening crisis requiring lifelong medications. As if that wasn’t enough, a pituitary tumor in my brain was found; however, it has not grown or caused any issues yet.

The cost of Lyme disease goes far beyond doctor visits. From treatments that aren't covered by insurance to the loss of income and years of searching for answers, the financial burden becomes devastating. Doctors and insurance companies will not cover anything Lyme-related because the CDC does not recognize it as a legitimate illness and says it does not exist despite the 476,000 cases each year. Despite them not accepting insurance, I still have to pay for health insurance for my primary doctor, specialists, and hospital. Every single Lyme doctor appointment, treatment, medication, and supplement has been out of pocket. I’ve been sick for 7 years now. My parents built their beautiful retirement house on the intercoastal water with a dock and a boat in their backyard. The money for my health caused them to have to sell the house and boat, and I sold my car. We moved into a smaller house, and my health only got worse each year. My parents were independent sales reps and don’t have 401(k) or retirement money coming in. They’ve spent almost all of their money helping me. It is devastating and kills me that they are in this position at 80 years old! Sadly, we can no longer afford to live in our current house, and we will have to rent. My dad has spent over $300 thousand dollars on just my Lyme treatments. That’s not including my other doctors and the cost of living in general.

I am so grateful and blessed to have the most loving, compassionate, and supportive parents. To know the stress and fear my dad has been holding in knowing the money is almost gone breaks my heart. He didn’t want me to feel the guilt because I have no control over my health. I would rather be sick and deal with it if it meant my parents could keep their house.

My Lyme doctor is an hour one way. I’m supposed to get 2-3 IV infusions weekly; however, I’ve only been able to get 1 every other week. Just one visit with the doctor can cost $300. Lyme is like a never-ending rollercoaster. You get the treatments, supplements, and medications and see improvements, then the money runs out, and you go right back to where you started. It’s mental and physical torture. I am a fighter, and I’ve beat cancer, countless surgeries, etc., and keep pushing through this. I feel everything happens for a reason, and I won’t give up. Even if someone struggling reads this and I can help them with what I’ve learned or experienced, then this is worth it to me.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I know so many people are struggling financially, so even if you would just repost my story to your page, it would mean the world to me! Thank you!

Jen

*The picture I chose was the last one taken on my 40th birthday seven years ago. Instead of showing depressing pics, my goal will be a picture of me healthy & happy again!