Dear Family and Friends,
Most of you know me as a very independent and self sufficient woman. Despite many hardships on my journey, I always make things possible, and make a lot out of a little. I have been able to overcome all of my challenges along the way without the need to rely on others. I’ve been financially savvy through the years as a single mom, and long after my son was grown. Through roomates, juggling multiple jobs, and choosing to live in my van full time to be economically strong, I’ve always made it work!
Now I find myself in a moment I cannot muscle my way through. My pride is very strong, so strong that I have not been able to ask for help even when I needed it most, which is probably what started this trajectory of chronic illness.
If you know me well, you know I am an open book and share a lot of my life with you. I have been open and honest about my rapid health decline which began almost four years ago with Pericardial effusion, tachycardia, dizziness and much more. I have been actively working on regaining my life after the start of these issues, and have come a very long way, only to have a HUGE setback by contracting Lyme Disease last September. I have always been a nature lover, and was feeling so proud that I was able to do mild hikes again after having to give up a lot of what I loved when my health weakened. I stopped teaching my yoga classes of 18 years, gave up matcha business, and had to slim down hours at work due to it all. I’ve not been able to financially recover from the costly medical support I’ve needed the last few years, but still I make the best of it!
I am asking for help today, at this moment, because sadly the 3 month antibiotic treatment, paired with the other herbal treatments I’ve been on have not been successful thus far. I am still actively fighting a current Lyme infection, and I am now being told by my Doctor it’s time to pursue more aggressive and costly treatments to try to control the infection before it becomes a long-term chronic issue for me. I have already begun having joint pains and ongoing symptoms which I won’t bore you with, that are making my life more difficult by the day.
I have maxed out my credit cards to pay for all of the treatments I’ve already undergone. I traveled to South America where I was able to get more affordable care for three months, but had to return to the U.S. where it’s very expensive and my insurance won’t cover the treatments I need to pursue now. Conventional doctors cannot do much more for me at this time. The next steps are to dive into aggressive therapies that need to be done weekly and long term, and I am overwhelmed by the idea of the cost. I had to leave my job of 9 years due to my inability to do the job with my health issues. The truth is I never know how I will feel from one moment to the next, and I am NOT allowed to be stressed at all, as stress inhibits your ability to fight Lyme Disease.
I’m feeling a little defeated, and wanted to be open and honest about it. It’s very overwhelming for me, and I’m good about putting on my game face online for the world, but behind the scenes I am struggling.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, for being a part of my life, for always cheering me on.
Any support is appreciated, and I also don’t have any expectations.
Much Love,
Jill
All money will go to my doctors visits, medical supplies/equipment, and treatments, of which I will keep you updated.