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Hello, my name is Steven Tatman. For the last 6 months, my sister JoAnna Vermeer has been battling Lyme disease. Unfortunately, her condition has only been recently diagnosed. She and my brother in law Dave saw 14 providers, before finding one that would take Lyme Disease as a possible diagnosis seriously. This was caused both by a failure in the medical cultural community, and a hole in the insurance industry.
Because of the delayed diagnosis, the Lyme disease has spread and deeply infected much of her body. She also has 3 other co-infections in addition to Lyme.
JoAnna and Dave have been forced to seek care and treatment out of network and this has placed a large financial burden on them, on top of the already extremely difficult situation. And this is why I'm starting this campaign. Funds raised will go towards hospital and medical bills, medication, post treatment recovery and physical therapy. JoAnna and Dave have requested first prayers. So if you have a faith, they and I would be grateful for your time and heartfelt words of intercession.
Lyme disease is insidious and serious, and does not always present in a predictable pattern. It is caused by an infection by a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi, usually by a tick bite. This bacteria will infect any system of the body initially, cardiovascular, neurological, brain, digestive, immune. And it dramatically disrupts the body's functions, especially neurological and cognitive. Because of this, this condition is often misdiagnosed. If you'd like to learn more about Lyme Disease or what you can do to advocate, there will be links for you with this post.
My sister's symptoms have been completely debilitating, she's had racing heart beats for normal activities, hallucinations, seizures, neuropathy, extreme and even painful sensitivity to light, sound, and touch. Paralysis, cognitive disfunction, not being able to talk or focus at anything for longer than a couple seconds. Just lying in bed waiting in the dark, literally.
She's been bed bound for nearly 3 months of this time. And Lyme has taken a toll on her body and mind. Amazingly, through it all, she has been fighting to stay strong and hopeful.
Her primary caregivers, my brother-in-law Dave and my mother Janet and myself are fighting this together with her. We love her so much and hope for healing each day.
JoAnna is currently undergoing treatment for Lyme and multiple co-infections that are common with it. She's showing significant signs of improvement. But, it is a long road to make sure it's completely cleared from her body.
JoAnna and Dave have requested prayers, first. So if you have a personal faith and conviction, please pray for healing, strength, guidance for the doctors, hope, and rest. If you would like to donate financially as well that would be greatly appreciated. Lyme is real, and it robs and destroys health, lives, relationships, and joy.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and help in advance. Jo and Dave need all the hope you can give, and I know they would appreciate any words of encouragement that you can share.