Support Kim's Healing Journey -Lyme Disease

I am a twin. I am a student. I am a yoga teacher. I am a self-employed freelance photographer and have been supporting my dreams in Los Angeles since graduating from college in 2006.  At 35, I have been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease which around 30,000 people contract each year. Lyme is transferred through a tick bite and it creates long term symptoms that become worse and more difficult to overcome the longer it goes untreated. 


I was bitten approximately 3 years ago. As an invasive bacteria, Lyme has mainly targeted my immune system which has led to chronic fatigue, chronic eczema, allergy symptoms all-year-round, painful joints, an overgrowth of candida (fungus), and an inability for my body to fight infection without medical intervention. As in many cases, the tick also transmitted to me a malaria-like parasite called Babesia. This mainly has an effect on the red blood, brain, and nervous system. 


Despite the heaviness of this diagnosis, I’ve never felt more prepared to face and take control of my own health. I am currently enrolled in 2 school programs that have been training me to work with people who have conditions such as the one I am experiencing. I am in my 3rd year of becoming a Clinical Yoga Therapist at Loyola Marymount University which will enable me to work alongside Medical Doctors to support their patients recovery.  I’m also in my second year of becoming an accredited Ayurvedic health counselor. Ayurveda is a system of healthcare that focuses on diet, lifestyle and a holistic approach to health that includes focusing on the mind, body, and spirit. My daily practices of yoga and Ayurveda have been integral in suppressing the symptoms of my disease over the last couple of years and for that I am very grateful. 


My Lyme symptoms became problematic last November, and since then I have worked with my M.D. taking supplements prescribed to kill the parasite, boost my immune system, cleanse my blood, and build my energy. I’m also working with an incredible Ayurvedic practitioner who is helping me tremendously.  


Moving forward under my doctors’ care, I will undergo a traditional Ayurvedic treatment called Panchakarma. Panchakarma aims to bring the body into balance through a series of individualized treatments, detoxification therapies, specially prepared supplements, herbs, and meals. It’s guided by the Ayurvedic principle to address the root cause of symptoms as opposed to just the symptoms themselves. Ayurveda does not believe in a one size fits all approach to health so every detail of this program will be specifically designed for me and my unique needs. I will be in treatment for two weeks for several hours a day and recovering at my home in Los Angeles while continuing my studies. 


After 2 weeks, I will remain on a 4 month treatment plan that I will maintain on my own which includes herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices. 


During the first 2 weeks of intensive care, I will not be able to work. 


The western medicine approach to treating Lyme disease is 2 weeks of antibiotics. This can be effective when treating patients who are diagnosed right away. However, for people like me who have had Lyme for years, this standard protocol has been shown to be ineffective*.  Treatment for Lyme beyond two weeks of antibiotics are not covered by the majority of insurance plans, including mine.


This is where I need your financial support. 


Donations will help cover the following costs:


$4,000 for two week Panchakarma
$1,000 for 9 months of medicinal herbs/supplements 
$,2000 to help cover some of my living expenses and other medical bills not covered by insurance during this time. 

I believe there are unseen forces that guide us, test us and move us into discomfort when we are ready to learn and grow, so I welcome this challenge with the trust that it will ultimately be a blessing is disguise. The deeper insights and knowledge I will gain about my own body, mind and spirit through this process will give me the ability to move forward in my own profession helping others on their own journey toward health and healing. Thank you to my friends, family and community for your continued, loving support. You mean more to me than I can express.