Kate's fight against Lyme disease

Over ten years ago while on an annual hiking trip with her family, Kate was bitten by a tick. It was successfully removed and no further thought was given. Just a few days later the infamous bullseye appeared. Her pediatrician at the time placed her on a low-dose of antibiotics for two weeks as a preventative measure and was told that was all she would need. Not long after finishing the medication Kate began to experience unusual and inexplicable pains: migraines, chest pain, vision changes, an inability to focus, neurological shooting pains throughout her body, upset stomach, occasional walking difficulties, and skin so sensitive that it was painful to be touched. She returned many times to the doctor only to be told she did not have Lyme.

Her doctor referred her to specialist after specialist. She was tested for heart issues, brain issues, nerve issues, tonsil issues, spinal issues, food intolerance, fibromyalgia, and about any other condition one may think of. All tests returned normal. Eventually, doctors began to believe Kate was faking the symptoms and thought she might have psychological issues. Over and over it was repeated that nothing was wrong with her. 

After five years of no answers, a Lyme-literate doctor was located in California. He listened and had Kate's blood tested more thoroughly than what the Western blot test offered. She was diagnosed with Lyme and started rigorous treatments of antibiotics and other medications. After many months it was realized that her case was too advanced and the medications weren't working. He then recommended the hyperbaric chamber. Although this helped temporarily, her symptoms returned the following year. She continued to relapse year after year for longer and longer periods of time.

She was eventually placed on a medical plan by the school district to accommodate for her health issues, as she was beginning to have difficulties with the amount of school she was missing. She was able to remain at the top of her class through the end of last school year, even as she missed 45 days of her last semester. The beginning of her sophomore year was a much different story. She attended school for a little while and then found herself living on the couch for 14 weeks, unable to do any schoolwork due to pain. She was eventually withdrawn from school. One day while her mother was away at work, Kate decided to use a marker to put a dot on her body each time she felt one of her shooting pains. By the time her mom returned, Kate had hundreds of dots all over her arms, legs, and torso.

After much searching and reaching out to a friend on the east coast, a treatment facility was located near Kate's home. In an effort to maintain the highest care and control of patient influx, the facility doesn't advertise-it's all through word of mouth. Thus, the reason it took so long for us to find the help. Katelyn started treatment there a few weeks ago. Since then she has also been diagnosed with Babesia, Bartonella, and Erlychia-all coinfections to Lyme. Through very rigorous and taxing iv therapies, shots, mitichondrial "pushes", and high fevers, Kate is beginning to get her life back. Her biggest fear is needles so having an iv and 2 shots 6 out of 7 days each week has proven to be mentally and physically draining. Amazingly enough, she says that she recognizes what it is doing for her and recommends the treatments for anyone with Lyme.

Kate is going into remission but the financial burden continues to grow. Her treatments are not covered by insurance. Any donation made would be greatly appreciated and will go directly toward the costs for her treatment. Thank you.