Lemon Over Lyme
Donation protected
“A healthy person has many wishes, a sick person has only one.” –Indian Proverb
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your time! Your time is very valuable and I honor that! Thank you for taking the time to read this and listen to my story! I firmly believe that by helping one, we help many!
My mission is to spread awareness and educate the public about the epidemic of Lyme disease. My goal is to prevent others from enduring the suffering that I have. I have been suffering in silence for 5 years and I want to be able to give a voice to the voiceless, for the hundreds and thousands (over 300,000 plus people diagnosed a year- more than Breast Cancer and AIDS combined) who are also suffering unnecessarily!
The Lyme community battles with many insurmountable hurdles, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially, and with all the misinformation out there and lack of support and funding it makes it that much more difficult to navigate this disease!
Throughout my journey to teach the public about prevention, early detection and treatment, and the seriousness and truth about Lyme disease I will be looking to hold fundraising events to raise money for medical bills and treatment, none of which is covered by insurance and is all out of pocket. If anyone has any fundraising ideas and would like to help contribute to holding a fundraiser of any sort please contact me via email at lemonoverlyme.com.
All funds donated to this GoFundMe will go directly towards medical bills and treatment so that I can continue to survive and ultimately help others and advocate for this community! I have not been able to return to work or school since 2013 and have been fighting for my life since. Without being able to work and provide for myself I cannot afford doctors visits and life saving treatments. The CDC, insurance companies, and the pharmaceutical industry do not support or fund treatment for Lyme Disease, and in my case, Late Stage Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease.
Here is a little bit about my story and how I went misdiagnosed and untreated for so many years that I developed Late Stage Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease.
When I was 13 years old I had a bite and a rash and experienced flu like symptoms. I was taken to a very large and well-known Medical Group out here in SCV where I tested positive for Lyme disease. The doctors told my mom that it wasn’t common (as we now know not to be true as it is in all 50 states) and not to worry about it (also now knowing, absolutely worst medical advice possibly given). I was not given any treatment. (Standard treatment for an initial, early stage, tick bite includes a minimum of 30 days of antibiotics, most commonly Doxycycline. If administered promptly and properly at initial infection patient has a chance of beating the disease before it spreads into a chronic incurable form). Being that Doctors take a Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm” to there patients, my parents trusted what they said. Today there is still a lack of education and knowledge surrounding Lyme disease; however, there was even less known about it then 18 years ago (I am now 31). I spent the next 13 years experiencing painful and distressing symptoms many of which mimic other commonly diagnosed diseases.
Growing up I was very physically active and spent almost all my time outdoors in nature. I have always had a passion for animals and helping people. I worked 7 part time jobs putting myself through college. I graduated from CSUN Cum Laude (Honors) and was pursuing my teaching credential at the University of La Verne. I volunteered working with animals, worked with children and adults with special needs, and the elderly. I had a Great Dane service dog who recently passed away from cancer who helped me immensely as well as brightened the lives of many others. I was 4 classes away from graduating with my teaching credential when my life completely changed and turned upside down. The Lyme disease infection had spread from my muscles and joints to destroying my brain, my heart, and my nervous system.
On December 15, 2013 I was driving home in the middle of the night on the freeway where the 5 and 14 split when I had a T.I.A. (mini stroke). I spent that Christmas in the hospital. For the next two years I was in and out of the emergency room and hospital experiencing life threatening and debilitating symptoms. I saw over 20 doctors (Internists, Neurologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Infectious Disease Specialists, Immunologists, Rheumatologists, Ophthalmologists, Oncologists, ENTS etc., and spent time getting extensive IVs, blood work, X-rays, CTs, MRIs, a Brain Spect, Lumbar Puncture, EEGs, EMG, Echocardiograms, Ultrasounds, Laparoscopy, etc. at UCLA, USC, Cedars Sinai, Providence, Holy Cross, and Henry Mayo. I was being told I had many things from Fibromyalgia to Cancer, when finally after 2 very long painful years of complete torture and being in fear for my life, I found a doctor who retested me for Lyme and I tested positive for Lyme disease and co-infections (Babesia, Ehrlichia, Mycoplasma, Mold and Heavy Metal Toxicity, and more). After 15 years of misdiagnoses and no help I finally and officially started treatment for Lyme disease. For the last 3 years I have undergone expensive out of pocket doctors visits (ranging from $150-$650 per visit), testing (onwards from $500 and up), IVs (ranging from $160-$3000), antibiotics, prescriptions, herbs, supplements, and many additional healing therapies (treatments NOW NEEDED range from $750-$25,000). As of now medically there is no “cure” for Lyme disease. The goal is remission so that the patient can live a better, lower and less debilitating, symptomatic quality of life. Though at times I may look “fine” on the outside, there is a constant war going on inside of me. My days consist of researching doctors and treatments and managing symptoms. I feel like I am dying a very long slow painful death! I would not wish this upon anyone anywhere no matter what! The dreams and goals I once had to graduate and become a teacher, help others and make a difference, be financially independent, create a family, and enjoy a social life full of all the experiences life has to offer were and are currently shattered. There are treatment options available out there (some including clinics out of state designed specifically for severely disabled patients like myself) but due to lack of funds I am unable to explore any of these options. I have gone 5 years suffering in silence without asking for help due to my pride and independent nature, but if I am to truly have a shot at getting my health and life back I must ask for assistance. I can no longer do this alone! I am isolated from society and I often try to hide what I am going through, as it is hard to comprehend not just for myself but those around me.
Symptoms that I experience on a daily basis for the past 5 years include but are not limited to: swollen glands, fever, flu-like symptom’s, insomnia, severe debilitating fatigue and muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, ataxia, breathlessness and air hunger, joint pain and inflammation, muscle pain, tremors/twitching, confusion/disorientation, memory loss, depersonalization, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, headaches, migraines, light/sound sensitivity, blurry/double vision, temporary vision loss, light headedness, dizziness, vertigo, passing out, tingling/numbness/burning, peripheral neuropathy, dental pain and reoccurring infections, abdominal pain, nausea, heart palpitations, irregular heart beat, chest pains, food and chemical sensitivities, allergies, temperature/weather sensitivities and intolerance, inability to tolerate physical activity/exercise, inability to sweat and regulate body temperate, thyroid and adrenal dysfunction, high pulse, low blood pressure, and PTSD and more.
The number 1 cause of death from Lyme disease is suicide, followed by cardiac failure, and brain damage. Lyme disease if often referred to as the “great imitator” as it mimics and is misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lupus, Arthritis, Depression/Anxiety, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s/ Dementia and more. A misdiagnosis of Lyme can delay treatment, which can complicate the chronic long-term effects. Studies show that 7 out of 10 patients postmortem diagnosed with Alzheimer’s had undiagnosed Lyme disease. A well-respected doctor, Dr. Klinghardt, has stated that he has never had a single patient with MS, ALS, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s that didn’t also test positive for Lyme disease. Testing is unreliable and treatment is not covered by insurance as insurance companies rely on treatment guidelines written by the IDSA who do not support chronic late stage Lyme disease. My hope is that one day these guidelines will be reassessed so that myself along with hundreds of thousands of other patients who are suffering in silence can receive the proper medical treatment we so desperately need at an affordable rate for all. Until then, I will continue to spread education and awareness, and as very much needed right now, ask for help.
I cannot stress enough that your health is your number 1 asset! If you have your health, you are blessed beyond measure! You never know what a person is going through! The strongest people are often facing the most difficult battles. Be kind always to those around you! Be patient! Show love! Live, give, and speak from the heart! I want to thank those that have taken the time to read this and I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I appreciate your support.
To connect with me on Facebook and follow my journey, join Sara Sterkel’s Village (Lyme support) Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215303912495602/
A small clip from an impromptu discussion where I was given the opportunity to educate our members of SCV about the epidemic of Lyme Disease. I had no idea that I was going to be sharing some of my story this day. This is as raw as it gets! No planning, no editing, no filtering, just on the spot realness. I have so much to say and I’m looking forward to being able to continue to speak out and raise awareness, educate, and help others heal! I always knew I wanted to help prevent others from enduring such suffering as I have. I had no idea when or how this was going to happen, but on this day we broke ground and the ball is now rolling! This feeling goes so much deeper than just being able to raise money for treatment but knowing and seeing the possibilities of how we can prevent and help so many other people suffering in silence and give them hope that it is possible and you can recover! You are helping one so we can help many! I am beyond grateful for being given this opportunity and I am looking forward to making a change!
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSMUiyjIO5XnpHytoW3yZOFinp5e-drLcX9xUMEO2tFXHNVqvCBCyX3GgA9Jw-PQ/photo/AF1QipPxZ38jHhCssPiLHtXVMiKUFGPcDwQCv1ahxH_9?key=MU9mYUhUMHZuQjZ4cWxKS2phU0lEMlQyS29qNlRB
*I am currently selling 25Score Cards to help fundraise. Each card is $25 and will give you access to hundreds of dollars in discounts, valid for a year, at over 1,000 restaurants, services, retail stores as well as nationwide e-tickets for movie tickets, concerts, sporting events, theme parks and more! If you are not already a member of 25Score Card please consider becoming a member and purchasing a discount card through me to help fund necessary medical treatment! You can reach me via Facebook, messenger, email at lemonoverlyme.com and I will deliver and set you up with your discount card!
Resources for more education and information:
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society
https://www.ilads.org
Lyme Disease Advocacy, Education & Research
https://www.lymedisease.org
Lyme Disease, PTSD, and Suicide
https://www.lymedisease.org/vet-suicide-lyme/
Under Our Skin is a documentary that was first released in 2009 & Under Our Skin 2: Emergence in 2014, which do their best to help shed some light on how this epidemic is truly effecting the world and why people are still suffering and are not receiving the help they so desperately need!
http://underourskin.com
The Monster Inside Me Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AGGF4P72tM&feature=share
“10 Things to Know When Someone in Your Life Has Lyme Disease”
http://lymelessandlovely.blogspot.com/search?q=10+things
Many celebrities are recently coming forward with their battle with Lyme Disease including: Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Daryl Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Alec Baldwin, Kelly Osbourne, Ally Hilfiger, and Yolanda Hadid to name just a few. The list is quite extensive! Here is a recent link sharing Avril Lavigne’s story.
https://www.prevention.com/health/a23025271/avril-lavigne-lyme-disease/
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for your time! Your time is very valuable and I honor that! Thank you for taking the time to read this and listen to my story! I firmly believe that by helping one, we help many!
My mission is to spread awareness and educate the public about the epidemic of Lyme disease. My goal is to prevent others from enduring the suffering that I have. I have been suffering in silence for 5 years and I want to be able to give a voice to the voiceless, for the hundreds and thousands (over 300,000 plus people diagnosed a year- more than Breast Cancer and AIDS combined) who are also suffering unnecessarily!
The Lyme community battles with many insurmountable hurdles, physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and financially, and with all the misinformation out there and lack of support and funding it makes it that much more difficult to navigate this disease!
Throughout my journey to teach the public about prevention, early detection and treatment, and the seriousness and truth about Lyme disease I will be looking to hold fundraising events to raise money for medical bills and treatment, none of which is covered by insurance and is all out of pocket. If anyone has any fundraising ideas and would like to help contribute to holding a fundraiser of any sort please contact me via email at lemonoverlyme.com.
All funds donated to this GoFundMe will go directly towards medical bills and treatment so that I can continue to survive and ultimately help others and advocate for this community! I have not been able to return to work or school since 2013 and have been fighting for my life since. Without being able to work and provide for myself I cannot afford doctors visits and life saving treatments. The CDC, insurance companies, and the pharmaceutical industry do not support or fund treatment for Lyme Disease, and in my case, Late Stage Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease.
Here is a little bit about my story and how I went misdiagnosed and untreated for so many years that I developed Late Stage Chronic Neurological Lyme Disease.
When I was 13 years old I had a bite and a rash and experienced flu like symptoms. I was taken to a very large and well-known Medical Group out here in SCV where I tested positive for Lyme disease. The doctors told my mom that it wasn’t common (as we now know not to be true as it is in all 50 states) and not to worry about it (also now knowing, absolutely worst medical advice possibly given). I was not given any treatment. (Standard treatment for an initial, early stage, tick bite includes a minimum of 30 days of antibiotics, most commonly Doxycycline. If administered promptly and properly at initial infection patient has a chance of beating the disease before it spreads into a chronic incurable form). Being that Doctors take a Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm” to there patients, my parents trusted what they said. Today there is still a lack of education and knowledge surrounding Lyme disease; however, there was even less known about it then 18 years ago (I am now 31). I spent the next 13 years experiencing painful and distressing symptoms many of which mimic other commonly diagnosed diseases.
Growing up I was very physically active and spent almost all my time outdoors in nature. I have always had a passion for animals and helping people. I worked 7 part time jobs putting myself through college. I graduated from CSUN Cum Laude (Honors) and was pursuing my teaching credential at the University of La Verne. I volunteered working with animals, worked with children and adults with special needs, and the elderly. I had a Great Dane service dog who recently passed away from cancer who helped me immensely as well as brightened the lives of many others. I was 4 classes away from graduating with my teaching credential when my life completely changed and turned upside down. The Lyme disease infection had spread from my muscles and joints to destroying my brain, my heart, and my nervous system.
On December 15, 2013 I was driving home in the middle of the night on the freeway where the 5 and 14 split when I had a T.I.A. (mini stroke). I spent that Christmas in the hospital. For the next two years I was in and out of the emergency room and hospital experiencing life threatening and debilitating symptoms. I saw over 20 doctors (Internists, Neurologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Infectious Disease Specialists, Immunologists, Rheumatologists, Ophthalmologists, Oncologists, ENTS etc., and spent time getting extensive IVs, blood work, X-rays, CTs, MRIs, a Brain Spect, Lumbar Puncture, EEGs, EMG, Echocardiograms, Ultrasounds, Laparoscopy, etc. at UCLA, USC, Cedars Sinai, Providence, Holy Cross, and Henry Mayo. I was being told I had many things from Fibromyalgia to Cancer, when finally after 2 very long painful years of complete torture and being in fear for my life, I found a doctor who retested me for Lyme and I tested positive for Lyme disease and co-infections (Babesia, Ehrlichia, Mycoplasma, Mold and Heavy Metal Toxicity, and more). After 15 years of misdiagnoses and no help I finally and officially started treatment for Lyme disease. For the last 3 years I have undergone expensive out of pocket doctors visits (ranging from $150-$650 per visit), testing (onwards from $500 and up), IVs (ranging from $160-$3000), antibiotics, prescriptions, herbs, supplements, and many additional healing therapies (treatments NOW NEEDED range from $750-$25,000). As of now medically there is no “cure” for Lyme disease. The goal is remission so that the patient can live a better, lower and less debilitating, symptomatic quality of life. Though at times I may look “fine” on the outside, there is a constant war going on inside of me. My days consist of researching doctors and treatments and managing symptoms. I feel like I am dying a very long slow painful death! I would not wish this upon anyone anywhere no matter what! The dreams and goals I once had to graduate and become a teacher, help others and make a difference, be financially independent, create a family, and enjoy a social life full of all the experiences life has to offer were and are currently shattered. There are treatment options available out there (some including clinics out of state designed specifically for severely disabled patients like myself) but due to lack of funds I am unable to explore any of these options. I have gone 5 years suffering in silence without asking for help due to my pride and independent nature, but if I am to truly have a shot at getting my health and life back I must ask for assistance. I can no longer do this alone! I am isolated from society and I often try to hide what I am going through, as it is hard to comprehend not just for myself but those around me.
Symptoms that I experience on a daily basis for the past 5 years include but are not limited to: swollen glands, fever, flu-like symptom’s, insomnia, severe debilitating fatigue and muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, ataxia, breathlessness and air hunger, joint pain and inflammation, muscle pain, tremors/twitching, confusion/disorientation, memory loss, depersonalization, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, headaches, migraines, light/sound sensitivity, blurry/double vision, temporary vision loss, light headedness, dizziness, vertigo, passing out, tingling/numbness/burning, peripheral neuropathy, dental pain and reoccurring infections, abdominal pain, nausea, heart palpitations, irregular heart beat, chest pains, food and chemical sensitivities, allergies, temperature/weather sensitivities and intolerance, inability to tolerate physical activity/exercise, inability to sweat and regulate body temperate, thyroid and adrenal dysfunction, high pulse, low blood pressure, and PTSD and more.
The number 1 cause of death from Lyme disease is suicide, followed by cardiac failure, and brain damage. Lyme disease if often referred to as the “great imitator” as it mimics and is misdiagnosed as Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Lupus, Arthritis, Depression/Anxiety, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s/ Dementia and more. A misdiagnosis of Lyme can delay treatment, which can complicate the chronic long-term effects. Studies show that 7 out of 10 patients postmortem diagnosed with Alzheimer’s had undiagnosed Lyme disease. A well-respected doctor, Dr. Klinghardt, has stated that he has never had a single patient with MS, ALS, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s that didn’t also test positive for Lyme disease. Testing is unreliable and treatment is not covered by insurance as insurance companies rely on treatment guidelines written by the IDSA who do not support chronic late stage Lyme disease. My hope is that one day these guidelines will be reassessed so that myself along with hundreds of thousands of other patients who are suffering in silence can receive the proper medical treatment we so desperately need at an affordable rate for all. Until then, I will continue to spread education and awareness, and as very much needed right now, ask for help.
I cannot stress enough that your health is your number 1 asset! If you have your health, you are blessed beyond measure! You never know what a person is going through! The strongest people are often facing the most difficult battles. Be kind always to those around you! Be patient! Show love! Live, give, and speak from the heart! I want to thank those that have taken the time to read this and I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I appreciate your support.
To connect with me on Facebook and follow my journey, join Sara Sterkel’s Village (Lyme support) Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/215303912495602/
A small clip from an impromptu discussion where I was given the opportunity to educate our members of SCV about the epidemic of Lyme Disease. I had no idea that I was going to be sharing some of my story this day. This is as raw as it gets! No planning, no editing, no filtering, just on the spot realness. I have so much to say and I’m looking forward to being able to continue to speak out and raise awareness, educate, and help others heal! I always knew I wanted to help prevent others from enduring such suffering as I have. I had no idea when or how this was going to happen, but on this day we broke ground and the ball is now rolling! This feeling goes so much deeper than just being able to raise money for treatment but knowing and seeing the possibilities of how we can prevent and help so many other people suffering in silence and give them hope that it is possible and you can recover! You are helping one so we can help many! I am beyond grateful for being given this opportunity and I am looking forward to making a change!
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPSMUiyjIO5XnpHytoW3yZOFinp5e-drLcX9xUMEO2tFXHNVqvCBCyX3GgA9Jw-PQ/photo/AF1QipPxZ38jHhCssPiLHtXVMiKUFGPcDwQCv1ahxH_9?key=MU9mYUhUMHZuQjZ4cWxKS2phU0lEMlQyS29qNlRB
*I am currently selling 25Score Cards to help fundraise. Each card is $25 and will give you access to hundreds of dollars in discounts, valid for a year, at over 1,000 restaurants, services, retail stores as well as nationwide e-tickets for movie tickets, concerts, sporting events, theme parks and more! If you are not already a member of 25Score Card please consider becoming a member and purchasing a discount card through me to help fund necessary medical treatment! You can reach me via Facebook, messenger, email at lemonoverlyme.com and I will deliver and set you up with your discount card!
Resources for more education and information:
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society
https://www.ilads.org
Lyme Disease Advocacy, Education & Research
https://www.lymedisease.org
Lyme Disease, PTSD, and Suicide
https://www.lymedisease.org/vet-suicide-lyme/
Under Our Skin is a documentary that was first released in 2009 & Under Our Skin 2: Emergence in 2014, which do their best to help shed some light on how this epidemic is truly effecting the world and why people are still suffering and are not receiving the help they so desperately need!
http://underourskin.com
The Monster Inside Me Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AGGF4P72tM&feature=share
“10 Things to Know When Someone in Your Life Has Lyme Disease”
http://lymelessandlovely.blogspot.com/search?q=10+things
Many celebrities are recently coming forward with their battle with Lyme Disease including: Avril Lavigne, Shania Twain, Daryl Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Alec Baldwin, Kelly Osbourne, Ally Hilfiger, and Yolanda Hadid to name just a few. The list is quite extensive! Here is a recent link sharing Avril Lavigne’s story.
https://www.prevention.com/health/a23025271/avril-lavigne-lyme-disease/
Organizer
Sara Sterkel
Organizer
Santa Clarita, CA
