My best friend Lucy was diagnosed around a year and a half ago with Lyme disease. For those who do not know what Lyme disease is – and for the sake of keeping this post as short and simple as possible – the best website for details on Lyme can be found here.
Lyme disease is a debilitating illness that has plagued Lucy for over a decade. Being a tick borne illness, it is not legally recognised within Australia, despite the overwhelming evidence to prove it so. She contracted the disease at around the age of 9. Her mother’s best friend rescued native Australian animals around that time, and it is from one of the animals Lucy came into contact with, where she was bitten by a tick that carried Borrelia.
Initially, Lucy and her family were under the impression that Lyme could only be successfully treated in Germany, as they are at the forefront of Lyme education. Upon further consultation with a myriad of doctors in California and Queensland, they discovered there was a small clinic in Logan, QLD, that provided a similar form of treatment as is conducted in Sweden. Basically, the treatment involves boiling the patient’s’ blood between 41 – 47.5 degrees celsius, thus boiling the bacteria out of their system. As you can imagine, procedures like this cost an exorbitant amount of money. We managed to fundraise approximately $8,000AUD last year, and Lucy moved to Logan for 3 months in order to conduct the treatment.
Just after she was diagnosed, her sister got into contact with a local news station and they did a segment on her. You can watch it here: http://www.todaytonightadelaide.com.au/stories/lyme-disease-diagnosis (please note, this is around 18 months old at this current point in time.)
It was a breath of fresh air for the past year to know that she was finally free from the pain caused by Lyme. Lucy developed Endometriosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, myoclonic seizures, as well as having weak shoulders due to a lack of blood flow – resulting in a separate surgery. It all seemed worth it after her initial treatment. Over the past two months, Lucy’s pain has returned. This is quite normal, as treatment for Lyme in its chronic stage is rarely wholly successful. It can take a multitude of treatment sessions to completely eradicate the disease; and even then, it’s only those who are lucky who never endure the repercussions of Lyme again. Lucy’s blood was sent off to the clinic in Queensland two weeks ago, where they confirmed the presence of the bacteria. Her only hope at this current point in time is two follow up sessions – which comes to the total of $3,500AUD; this includes the cost of accommodation and flights.
So, in short, I am reaching to the Tumblr community: a place that has opened its arms for those suffering with mental illnesses, chronic physical illnesses amongst others, and raised funds in order to prevent further suffering around the world. I have opened a new account connected to a PayPal page, in the hopes that there are at least some who will donate to Lucy’s cause. It is registered under my name: Ophelia.
Please, please, please, we are basically begging at this point in time. Her doctor wishes for her to complete treatment by the end of November; before the pain becomes too excruciating once more.
Every dollar helps. I understand that there are those who cannot donate, thus I only ask for this post to reach as many potential donors as possible. Every reblog is greatly appreciated, as is every form of donation, no matter what amount. Even a small $5 contributes to helping Lucy manage her pain – as she continuously advocates legal recognition for Lyme disease within our country.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to message me. I am more than happy to have a chat with anyone, if you have any concerns.
N.B: there was a gofundme page created for Lucy last year, though this page and all associated accounts are under the name of her mother. The two have since severed ties – her mother used the money for her own personal gratification, such as, going for manicures whilst Lucy was in treatment… Using the funds for herself. (This is the shortest example I have been given permission to give.)
