Shaina's Fight Against Chronic Lyme

My name is Shaina Garfield, and I have been diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease since January 2015. Like many others, I was misdiagnosed for many months with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which allowed time for infection to grow much worse. In the past two years, I have been to countless doctors and tried multiple treatments, both western medicine and holistic. Because nothing for Lyme Disease is covered by insurance, we have spent over $40,000 on medical bills. Some days the financial strain that this disease has put on my family seems to be just as great as the physical pain I endure. Asking for financial help during this process is very difficult and humbling for me, but the nature of this disease has left my family with no other choice.

I am an Industrial Design and Sustainability student at Pratt Institute, but have had to take a medical leave of absence in order to heal and attempt to find a way to pay the mounting medical bills. There are no words that can explain the pain I endure on a daily basis. There are days I cannot walk, because it feels as though my feet were smashed with a hammer. At times when I cannot text or open my pill bottles, because it feels like my hands are broken. Other times, I throw up unexpectedly, and fall asleep out of the blue. However, everyday is different, leaving only confusion, emptiness and pain. The pain and exhaustion is unbearable, but is it not more horrible that few understand what us Lymies go through? There were over 300,000 cases of Lyme Disease reported in 2015 according to the CDC, more than any other infectious disease. Lyme Disease is known as the “Silent Epidemic” because it is not being talked about.

I suffer alone like so many out there because people do not understand the severity and complexity of this disease. There is no support, treatment protocol or cure. There is only pain and the dim light of hope that someday it will all go away. I fight this disease so I can take my life back and become the successful, happy person I always dreamt I'd be. I fight to bring awareness to the world so people will not suffer alone the way I have. Chronic Lyme Disease is not a simple infection that is cured by a little Doxycycline. It is a disease that completely debilitates the body, mind, and soul. It also hurts those that have to watch their loved ones suffer, knowing that they’re helpless to do anything beyond lending emotional support. Lyme disease is not just something that happens to you, it defines you. It takes tremendous strength to persevere, but it is strength that could be put to so much better use being a functioning, happy member of society – which I pray will be someday soon.

I began this GoFund Me because my family needs the financial support to help get my health back, but more importantly to continue the conversation of Lyme Disease that needs to be happening. I ask not just for financial assistance, but also for awareness. Having as many people as possible hear my story helps shine a light on Lyme disease. The thought of others silently suffering the way I have, hurts me more that this disease ever could.

My family graciously appreciates any donation you can spare. If you cannot donate, we appreciate the love and support for all of the Lyme warriors out there! I would so appreciate you sharing this campaign with others in order to reach as many people as possible.

Please take time to educate yourself about the disease and prevention you can take at the links provided below. Two years in, I am still acquainting myself with all the many complexities of Lyme Disease. But even just a little knowledge can go a long way.
LymeDisease.org
International Lyme and Associated Disease Society
Lyme Is Hell ad

At the hospital on Memorial Day after scary, severe abdominal pain. Glad we ruled out Appendicitis, but unfortunately it was just the Lyme bugs acting up. 

Hiking in the Catskills! I hope to get back to that soon, without any tick bites:)