Dear friends and family,

After I have suffered almost a year of chronic illness and multiple debilitating symptoms, the recent severity of symptoms led us to have a mold inspection and testing done in our home.

Those results came back to show elevated levels of black mold in our home, specifically in my room, and water damage and microbial growth in other areas throughout the home.

In 2020, I was sick from mold illness, with my testing showing five different types of mold in my body. It was discovered then, that there was extensive mold in our home, and we needed a complete mold remediation and remodel. All steps were taken at that time to make the home safe, and over time while doing work to reset my nervous system, I healed.

Facing this same challenge again, after a long difficult year, is overwhelming to say the least. The greatest challenge being the lack of financial resources to do all that is needed.

I have been out of work since the beginning of the year due to my health condition. My family has had to support me financially, helping with my bills, and expenses for medical and basic needs.

Since September, I have been having to live in Airbnbs because my symptoms are so severe in my home. We have borrowed and loaned to make this possible, but are now out of options.

The dilemma, I cannot stay in the home currently, but do not have anywhere else to go or the funds to continue to pay for alternative housing. We also do not have any means of having more remediation done, which likely involves replacing the hvac and potentially other repairs on the home.

In addition to these costs, I have been unable to get consistent healthcare because I do not have insurance. I have applied for government assistance, but there have been many setbacks and delays and still no answers at this time.

Earlier in the year I was told I had an autoimmune condition due to a flu virus, as well as issues with my liver and several detox organs and a few other things. I was given an extensive protocol but was not able to do it at the time.

I was also battling OCD and trouble eating. OCD is linked to exposure to mycotoxins from black mold . I did an OCD intensive and worked with a counselor and dietician to address those concerns, while doing my best to manage the other physical symptoms, and give my body time to rest and heal. After several months and some improvement in those areas, I was unable to continue with those treatments due to the costs involved.

Mid-August, after seeing substantial improvement, I had a set back and almost overnight became so symptomatic I was completely bedridden, going days and even weeks with no sleep due to my symptoms. Several trips to emergency rooms resulted in me being told there was nothing wrong. That is when we first tried staying out of the home to see if it would help.

It's been a month and a half, and I have had many improvements since being out, but I still have a long way to go.

What our need is-

First, I need more permanent housing, immediately, while we figure out what can be done to remediate the home. Moving every few days is very stressful, especially with my symptoms, and not knowing where we will go next. I need some place I can stay for a few months, so I can focus solely on my health.

Next, the cost of remediation and repairs to my parents home. We do not have a total figure yet, but based on previous experience, it's going to be substantial.

Ongoing expenses, medical and general bills. There is no quick, easy answer for mold or autoimmune illnesses. Often times it requires many doctors and multiple tests, and as I have experienced in the past, sometimes none of the treatments work. It also takes time. My plan is to do what I did before that led me back to health, once I'm able to secure stable housing and focus solely on that. More than likely, because I have been in a wheelchair for so long, I will have to have some kind of physical therapy. I'm not sure yet what else will be needed, if I will get approved for medicaid, or how much that will help.

There are still a lot of unknowns as I continue to walk this journey out one day at a time, but I am hopeful that these new answers will provide a clearer path for healing, again.

I just need help getting there. I am desperate to get back on my feet, work again, and be a healthy mom again for my kids. Anything you can do is appreciated more than I can express.

Sincerely,

Kim