An Introduction: A Life In Need of Changing

I wanted to take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself, my cause and to share with you what this opportunity means to me.

At age 33, after struggling with illness for most of my life, I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and its cohorts Clinical Depression, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, mold injury and heavy metal poisoning. It has not been an easy road -- for all the years before this pivotal moment I didn't even know why I was ill or how to move toward better health.

It is at this point in my life that I am faced with the reality of what these illnesses mean to my future.

Here are the hard questions: How will I afford to continue my health care; how will I stay well enough to continue to work and participate in my community; what is the reality of where my health stands today as compared to where it will be in 5 years?

The hard answers: Becuse these conditons (illnesses), as a group, are degenerative, without proper and extensive treatment -- and if I continue to go without the ability to provide that for myself -- within the next 3-5 years I am looking at not being able to help myself. That is, have the health to work and get myself better.

Unfortunately, I no longer have the luxury of piecing my life together just to get through the day. For now this is about living and dying.

So, I thank you, humbly, for taking a moment to listen, to explore and to share my story. Because even if you decide that you cannot or should not support me I know that there are others in our community who struggle as I have and do struggle and perhaps these moments you have taken will lead you to making a difference when you can.