Troy's Fight Against Lyme Disease

Troy, who will be turning 13 in April, has been suffering from the devastating effects of Lyme disease and related tick-borne co-infections. Prior to contracting Lyme, Troy was an active and energetic boy, full of life. He loved to play soccer and basketball, dance and be-bop around the house, play Nerf gun wars and Man Hunt with his brothers and all his neighborhood buddies, write, draw and just had the ability to make everyone around him laugh. Since January of 2016, after being diagnosed with Lyme disease, Troy has been suffering greatly with the physical, psychological and emotional effects of this complex and often misunderstood disease. Lyme disease is a worldwide infectious disease and is the #1 vector borne illness in North America and Europe. It has been reported in all 50 states, and 25% of the reported cases are children. Troy’s symptoms include extreme fatigue, excruciating abdominal pain, digestive issues, deep muscular aches and pains, sore and swollen joints, all-over body rashes, confusion, jaw discomfort, migraine headaches, sore throat, fevers, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, head and groin, migratory pain,
hypersensitivity to light, sound, touch and taste, depression, anxiety, emotional instability, and various forms of regressive behavior.  This once active and energetic boy, has lost the ability to walk, sit upright or hold his head up. Lyme disease has also triggered an autoimmune reaction in Troy, causing his body to attack and damage his own tissue. This also is very common with Lyme disease. It is essential that those suffering with Lyme disease are treated by Lyme-literate physicians. Because of restrictive insurance regulations regarding this disease, many of these specialists are not covered by insurance, as well as many of the needed medications and treatments required. Please join us as we continue to help Troy get the best possible medical care, so that he can get back to his childhood and make us laugh again.