Some of you have known Marion as an amazing single mom of her three great kids (Josh, Tyler and Maygan Giller). Some of you have known her through Stepping Stones, the life-changing ministry for young moms in Surrey that she founded and ran for 10 years. And many of us have known Marion as a vibrant, caring friend - full of life, fun and hope! 

Sadly, Marion’s life changed dramatically more than 8 years ago when she was suddenly and mysteriously struck with debilitating symptoms -  extreme pain throughout her body, severe exhaustion that can leave her bedridden for days, chronic infections, heart and lung issues, decreased cognitive function, inflammation, weight loss (to name a few). She almost died after countless infections wouldn’t heal and led to sepsis throughout her body. In a heartbeat she went from being a healthy, vibrant mom and ministry leader, to having to step down from her life’s work at Stepping Stones, and often struggling to complete even the simplest daily tasks.  

To make all this worse, despite countless appointments with specialists and trips to the Emergency Room, no one could explain why it seemed every system in Marion’s body suddenly began to fail. 

Fortunately the spring of 2015 brought new hope when Marion was finally diagnosed with late-stage Lyme disease. Why did it take so long to diagnose you might ask? Unfortunately Lyme (particularly late-stage) is a very complex illness, and testing in Canada (and many other countries) is terribly inadequate. (See the links on below for more information about Lyme).

On one hand the diagnosis has been great news…now there is an explanation for these years of illness and proper treatment can be pursued.

On the other hand, Canada provides few (if any) successful options for treatment of late-stage Lyme, which means her only hope is to seek costly help outside of the country. And as so often happens with long-term, critical illness, years of being sick have drained Marion’s finances.  
 
This is why Marion's family and friends are reaching out for your help!

After much research, Marion and her family concluded the best hope to get her life back is in Germany. Numerous clinics there have been treating late-stage Lyme for years with excellent results.

The foundation of this treatment involves an extended stay at a clinic in Germany to undergo “whole body hyperthermia” along with a combination of other supporting therapies (i.e. detoxification, immune support, IV infusions, ozone therapy, and nutrition).

Prior to this, months of rigorous pre-treatment are necessary (to strengthen and prepare her body for the more intensive stage) as well as a number of months of post-treatment afterwards (to continue to heal and restore her body from the years of damage due to this disease).

The costs of all of this have been far out of Marion’s reach. However since the summer of 2015, friends and family have been rallying around Marion so she can get the treatment she so desperatly needs.    

Estimated Cost: $60,000 for approximately one year of treatment, including 3-4 months pre-treatment, intensive hyperthermic treatment and 6-8 months post-treatment, as well as plane tickets to and from Germany. (Marion has relatives in Germany and has been able to stay with them). 

Lyme has robbed Marion of so many things for over 8 years - precious time with her children, her life’s work helping young moms in need, relationships that have been dear to her, and the ability to live fully in the life God has given her.  

** The amazing generosity to date has made it possible for Marion to begin treatment in Germany, but the remaining funds are essential so she can continue post-treatment.**

Will you be a part of giving this precious woman a chance to get her life back? 

 How you can help:

1. Prayer: For provision for the necessary treatments and complete healing! 

2. Donate: Without your help, the cost of treatment is far out of Marion’s reach. There are numerous ways you can make a monetary contribution to help with the expenses:

* Credit card: Through this page.
 
* Direct Depots, Cheque or E-transfer: Just get in touch via the "Team Marion" button to the right if you'd like information on how to give any of these ways. (We are charged fewer fees this way than via credit card, so more of your gift will help Marion.)

(Please note: As the funds raised are to help an individual and not for a charity or registered not-for-profit, unfortuately tax receipts are not available for your donations.)

3. Educate: Learn more about Lyme - how you can protect yourself and your family, and to understand the painful journey of those who are struggling with this tragic disease.  Here are some resources if you’d like to learn more:
www.ilads.org          
www.canlyme.com
www.stopthelymelies.com
www.underourskin.com

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions!

Thank you so much for your part in giving Marion a chance to get her life back. Your care and compassion is amazing!!