Help Joseph Cook Fight Lyme Disease
Goal:
USD $100,000
Raised:
USD $40,576
Campaign funds will be received by Joseph Cook
Help Joseph Cook Fight Lyme Disease
First and Foremost:
12-14-2024: We apologize, but some scrolling is required to see the latest updates!
We are forever grateful to our Heavenly Father for his grace, strength, and provision; to each of you who have donated to Joseph's treatment in the past, and to those who have walked with us during this time of trial!
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The Current Need:
In June of 2020, Joseph once again began to decline in health. He was only able to work parts of 2 days from late June to present. He has developed strong around-the-clock headaches, widespread inflammation with burning pain and stiffness, weakness, and spells of uncontrollable muscle spasms.
The funds that have so generously been donated have resulted in Joseph being able to receive 10 IV treatments so far at a clinic in Spokane, WA. He was able to get a consultation with a new doctor, as well as several much needed costly lab tests. So far it seems that he has stopped getting worse, and has shown small signs of improvement.
His wife, Lora, currently provides daily care for Joseph, while simultaneously homeschooling their two youngest (ages 12 & 11). There is an urgent financial need for continued treatment, past medical debt, and basic living expenses, such as food, rent, etc. Their monthly budget is $5,200
The immediate family has been attempting to bear the financial burden, but it is simply more than we can handle. If the Lord lays it on your heart, please join us in helping Joseph & Lora in this time of trial.
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions. There is a contact button below.
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The Journey:
- In early 2014, 3 weeks after moving to Idaho from Pennsylvania, Joseph began to get seriously ill and underwent a lot of testing.
- In early 2015, he was diagnosed with Lyme disease. They located a doctor in Richland, WA that began treatment. During treatment, Joseph was unable to work much.
-By early 2016, he was showing improvement. They moved to Ellensburg to accept a job offer.
- In early 2017, Joseph suffered a relapse, and again became unable to work. The local church congregation assisted financially while further testing was done. The previous doctor they had used in Richland was no longer practicing, so after much prayer and research, they chose Sponaugle Wellness Clinic in Florida.
- Plans were made to leave for Florida in December, following the wedding of their oldest son. By this time, Joseph was almost entirely confined to a wheelchair.
- Upon reaching the Clinic, they found that Joseph had 4 other co-infections. One affected his heart, causing heart attack-like symptoms. Another was in his brain, affecting him neurologically.
- By June 2018, after 6 months in FL, (which included 2 months of intense IV treatment, 2.5 months of out of clinic treatment due to funding challenges, and 1.5 more months of in clinic IV treatment) Joseph was much improved and walking on his own. Although the doctor felt he needed a couple more months of treatment, they simply didn't have the finances to continue, and so made the decision to leave the clinic and try to finish treatment at home.
- Over the course of the next year, Joseph continued to improve and build strength, working whenever he could to try to provide for his family.
- In June 2019, they moved back to Idaho so that Joseph could work with his son as health allowed, while continuing to treat at home as much as possible. During this time, there were still periods of a couple of weeks that he was unable to work.
- Late June 2020, Joseph began to decline once again. He has only been able to work parts of 2 days from Late June to October. He is developing strong around-the-clock headaches, widespread inflammation with burning pain and stiffness, weakness, and spells of uncontrollable muscle spasms. After much research, they have found a clinic in Spokane, WA. His wife, Lora, currently provides care for Joseph, while simultaneously homeschooling their two 10 year old children.
- October 2020, The funds that have so generously been donated by many have resulted in Joseph being able to receive 10 IV treatments at a clinic in Spokane, WA. He was able to get a consultation with a new doctor, as well as several much needed lab tests. So far it seems that he has stopped getting worse, and has shown small signs of improvement.
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About Lyme, Co-infections, and Quality of Living
Every Lyme case is different, simply because it is often complicated by one or more co-infections that produce their own symptoms. This is one of the reasons why it is difficult to diagnose. In Joseph's case, the co-infections have been fairly serious, as noted above.
Below is a description of the Symptoms that Joseph has faced:
One of the more prevalent symptoms is brain fog. Also, his thyroid was affected, causing long term fatigue.
While at the peak of suffering, he suffered with what is called an Ice Pick migraine headache. According to some people, the pain of this condition is the worst pain that can be felt by a human, worse even than limb amputation or childbirth. He would cry out in pain, but there was nothing that could be done except wait it out.
Another symptom, was one night where he had what seemed by all appearances a heart attack. Chest pain, pain down one arm, and he collapsed while trying to walk. EMS was called, but their monitor showed nothing. At the hospital, they ran multiple tests, but the docs said he had a strong heart and there was nothing wrong.
Often, his whole body would randomly go into convulsions, lasting several seconds at a time, including involuntary vocal sounds.
Migraine headaches were frequent, often lasting over 24 hrs. Dizziness & lack of balance often plagued him.
Every now and then He would get enough energy to go outside and walk or do small projects, but there was no way to know when it would happen. He couldn't just rest and "save up energy".
Below is a list of a few more symptoms that Joseph has faced:
Peripheral neuropathy
Trouble swallowing (food, water, pills)
Bell's Palsy
Heightened sensitivity (to light, sounds, smells)
Debilitating fatigue
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Q&A:
As questions arise, if appropriate, I will answer them here. If you have a question, please contact me through this page
Q: Do they have insurance, or are they a part of a Christian health sharing ministry?
A: No. At the time of diagnoses, there was no insurance or health sharing ministry that we are aware of that covered Lyme disease in the US. As of 2020, There are now a few that will cover it, but no preexisting conditions*
Q:
A:
* Samaritan Ministries will send out a one-time request for voluntary donations for preexisting conditions.
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Final Thoughts from the Organizer:
This entire journey has been extremely difficult, both physically and emotionally for our whole family.
Although awareness of Lyme disease is growing, most are not very familiar with it. We well know the devastation that Cancer has brought to our loved ones. Almost everyone I know has had a friend or relative die of Cancer. We are all very much aware of havoc that Covid-19 has caused, since it has been well covered by every media outlet in existence. But little do many realize that Lyme disease is a very substantial issue in the US; recent estimates by the CDC suggest that approximately 300,000 people may get Lyme disease each year in the United States. If left untreated, it can lead to a slow, debilitating and painful death.
It could be that our lack of awareness has been influenced by the fact that many doctors misdiagnosed Lyme at the outset, when little was known about the disease. Which caused doctors everywhere to become hesitant to diagnose a case at all.
Also, much of the mainstream medical world has been insistent that Lyme is only Lyme if it shows up as a very noticeable "bulls-eye" like mark on the skin, and can be cured in a month's time. Therefore many are dismissive of it. Some states even declared that it was not a disease at all.
One couple my parents met at the clinic in FL told a sad story. The husband was in remission for cancer. They said that with Cancer, they had received tremendous support in various ways by many people. But then his wife became very ill with Lyme. People did not understand her sickness. He watched her extreme suffering while they received very little support from anyone. The husband stated that he would rather have cancer because people understood and were so supportive.
This is not the only story we have heard from Lyme victims, most say the same thing.
It is our hope and prayer that we can raise awareness to the challenges and daily realities of those who suffer from this debilitating disease.
We hope and pray that God has and will yet receive glory from this situation.
Much gratitude from the bottom of our hearts to each one who has supported us through this time.
Recent Donations
God Bless You Brother.
Keep shining!
God Bless your family!
Brother Joseph. God will keep you in his perfect peace. Praying for you your family
Updates
Update #25
December 14th, 2024
Dear Friends,
We are very thankful for each of your contributions into our lives in various ways throughout the last 10+ years of Joseph’s health journey.
We are again facing financial challenges with an immediate need of $6,300.
Joseph has been working too hard physically at his last project which involved running a jack hammer and hauling concrete out of a basement. He overdid it, and it knocked him back. He has not been continuing any treatment since he felt pretty good and wanted to put as much money as possible toward bills. His previous treatments have worked well, it’s just been hard to balance not working too hard and working hard enough to pay bills. Too much physical strain on his body will cause his immune system to drop, which wears him down, and then his co-infections with Lyme start taking over again. His doctor warned him about this, however, carpentry work is what God has been providing up to this point.
Recently, another job opportunity became available that seems to be an answer to prayer. It would involve computer work from home in the same field of carpentry. He has decided to do that, though it was a hard decision since he enjoys the physical carpentry labor while working with his sons.
Our current financial challenges have arisen due to several factors coming together at once:
1. Working too hard has caused a setback physically, so he has not been able to work as much, plus he started taking some treatment at home again to hopefully stop the downward progression. This costs $290 a month.
2. The new job has a training period, so time will be spent learning with little pay until the end of January. He also needs to buy a used desk for this, but all other equipment will be provided by the company.
3. We have a son planning to get married in five weeks in Iowa Jan. 18. This will involve travel for us from Idaho.
We are trusting these needs to God to provide for as He sees fit. He is so faithful!!! We deeply appreciate your love and support in various ways, including prayer! We pray He will bless each one who has kindly helped us along on our journey.
In Thankfulness, Lora
Update #24
July 22nd, 2024
Dear Friends,
Thank you, each one, for your past support in various ways! It means more than we know how to say!!
PLEASE PRAY!!!
Joseph has just not been doing as good after returning from Germany this time. (To be clear, this second trip, including all his treatments, was almost completely covered by a couple of parties.) He has only been able to work two or three days a week before needing to rest and recoup. He is doing his best to follow his doctor’s orders so that he does not run his health down again from pushing too hard. However, the weight of our present bills as well as the past medical debt, looms large in his mind. He’s continually tempted to push much too hard in order to provide for us.
Additionally, the place we have been renting for the past five years, changed hands due to one of the owners passing away. We learned today that we have until August 31st. to find a new place to rent. With this new development, we are realizing we will have more expenses than we can handle with moving.
In light of this we felt an update would be helpful as we trust God to provide (as He always faithfully has) in whatever way He chooses. We pray God will bless all who have been and are being a part of His provision for us!
Update #23
May 29th, 2024
Praise God!! Our immediate need is down to $6,250 already! Thanks so much to all that have given on here and directly to us.
Update #22
May 14th, 2024
Because of the love & kindness of a few, our present need is down to $8,475
A huge “Thank you” to those that have prayed and given so far! It means so much to know others are helping to carry our load!
Joseph, Lora, Nathan and Alena
Update #21
May 9th, 2024
Thank you for your patience, finally, after a many emails back and forth, we satisfied the donation processor. Donations should work fine now!
Update #21
May 6th, 2024
Hello, Friends!
The last 15 months have been wonderful, to say the least, WITHOUT the Lyme and co-infection symptoms I had battled for 9 years prior! I am so thankful for this gift from our Heavenly Father!
I returned to my much loved profession of carpentry and attempted to dig out of our medical debt. Then recently I had a variety of old symptoms pop up and they began progressing rather quickly. Since our oldest son, Benjamin, and his wife and children were already in Germany for his cancer treatment; we made arrangements for me to join them to get two weeks of treatment. We both see the same doctor, so they offered for me to stay with them and ride with them, to help save money. Also, the doctor was willing to give us a substantial break in the cost of treatment this time.
My wife and two children at home stayed in the States during this time. The two weeks of treatment did not go as any of us had planned, and I began feeling really rough. My doctor says another two weeks of treatment would be better to get me back to a good spot. My Bartonella co-infection and the mold infections are likely the culprit along with physically working too hard. My doctor is now telling patients with this infection to plan on getting one or two weeks of IV treatment yearly to keep it in check and to really care for our bodies as best we can. Hopefully this can happen next time at the new clinic opening soon in the States.
This type of Bartonella goes deep and seems impossible to fully get rid of. So in order to fight to be well enough to work and support my wife and children, I am away for five weeks getting treatment and my income is again on hold.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support! We thank God for all of His provision, and pray He will bless all who are a part of helping us during our battle against Lyme and co-infections.
At this point, our current immediate need is $11,000 (please forgive my changes, more bills just showed up!)
Joseph
Update #19
February 2nd, 2023
Hello to everyone in this new year that we have been blessed to see! We all have so many blessings to be thankful for!
We had hoped to be able to close this fund by now, but have had an unexpected bump in our plans. Our oldest son, Benjamin, (age 29) was hospitalized about two and a half weeks ago and diagnosed with cancer. He and his wife, Heidi, were in the process of moving. We have been very busy helping them wrap up loose ends and have been caring for their two little girls, aged 3 and 2. Benjamin and Heidi are currently in Germany getting cancer treatment for him with the same doctor that treated Joseph’s Lyme disease. Please pray for Benjamin's little family!
This unexpected occurrence has slowed down the process of finding work for Joseph. He has been putting in job applications in between the extra family needs. He has also been learning he cannot push too hard physically, as he is having a lot of very sore muscles that need strengthened again. Please join us in prayer while he actively searches for work suitable to his physical limitations and also enough to support his family.
There is still a need to help bridge the financial gap until suitable work is found. Thank you so much for your support, love, and patience! May God bless each one of you for your kindness to us!
Update #18
December 14th, 2022
Hello, everyone! Thank you for all of your support in the past - it means so much!!
We are safely back from Germany, and so grateful for the opportunity to treat with this doctor! We are praising God for the treatment results. For the first time in almost 9 years Joseph has no Lyme symptoms and feels normal, except for muscles needing to be strengthened. He has been able to stop most of his nutritional supplements and some of his medications. He is looking for work that he can manage physically that will earn enough. His doctor has recommended that he start out with work that is not very strenuous physically.
There is still a need for some income for living expenses to help bridge the gap until Joseph is able find work and receive pay. He is checking into a few different options. Extra funds will be applied toward the $60,000 medical debt from our earlier medical expenses.
May God bless each of you for your kindnesses and support during Joseph’s long Lyme disease journey! It has been a huge blessing and help to us!
Update #17
November 12th, 2022
Hello, everyone - we hope each of you are doing well! Grace and peace to all!
We are very excited to share that we were gifted $40,000 to travel to Germany for Lyme treatment. We can hardly comprehend this enormous blessing!! Joseph just completed his first week of treatment here, and is tolerating it pretty well.
Our expenses are covered until we arrive back in the states December 10. At that time Joseph hopes to feel well enough to start finding work he can do to earn a living. However, we have been strongly advised to not go too fast so that he doesn’t regress! We will post an update when we get back to let you know how he is doing. There may be a small transition time until regular income is coming in.
Thank you so much, all of you have helped to lift our burden! It truly has made a huge difference in our lives, and it will always be precious to us!! May God bless you!
Update #16
September 19th, 2022
Hello, and thank you all immensely for helping to support us during this long, difficult illness!!!
We are currently hoping to get Joseph treatment in Germany. More details on this was posted on our last update. We have been keeping in touch with current Lyme patients who have been receiving treatment from this German doctor. One patient contacted the Lyme and co-infections in Carlisle, PA near where we lived when Joseph contacted it. His health issues have been similar, and he is making amazing progress with this treatment. This has been very encouraging to us!
Our current need:
1. Funds to cover our regular monthly expenses, $5,200
2. Funds to be put toward treatment in Germany to help Joseph get well and be able to work for a living. $38,000 total.
3. Extra beyond these needs would be put toward medical debt.
We cannot thank everyone enough for your support, but pray that God will bless each one richly for it!!!
Update #15
August 12th, 2022
Hello, everyone! Thank you so very, very much for your prayers, loving care, and financial gifts that have helped make it possible for us to "stay afloat" throughout this medical journey! We have some new developments to share with you that are exciting to us and may be an answer to prayers for wisdom.
We learned through a Lyme support group that a 12 year old boy from the U.S. had been very sick for almost 5 years with Lyme, co-infections, and mold toxicity (very similar to Joseph). He also had poor detox ability with sensitivities to light, sound, and touch and had seen many doctors with little success. His parents were told of a German doctor that believed he could help him. They flew to Germany for a 3 week treatment. His symptoms were gone by the time the treatment was finished, and he was feeling like playing soccer again.
We were able to get a free 45 minute phone consult with this doctor. After reviewing Joseph's case, he responded that he believed Joseph has a 95% chance of being at least 80% better after 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. He has been able to successfully treat other patients with similar symptoms and diagnosis as Joseph. We were told that many people in the U.S. discredit this doctor due to how little the treatment costs.
This doctor uses a method that has been used for 60 years to cure cancer. He began using it 3 years ago successfully for Lyme patients. This treatment is not currently done in the U.S., and the order of the treatment is opposite than here. We are understanding that Joseph should feel well enough after the treatment to at least be able to work part-time, and maybe more. For more information on this treatment you may contact us directly.
Funds that would be needed in order for Joseph to travel to Germany for this treatment with his wife and 2 children at home would be $35,000 to $40,000. This would cover passports, plane fare, 3 to 4 weeks of treatment, food, transportation, and lodging. This is in contrast to 3 months at the clinic in Florida for $150,000. (He was previously there for treatment in 2018.)
We trust God to continue guiding us in coming days, and greatly appreciate your support and prayers as we navigate through this illness! May God bless you each one!
Update #14
July 27th, 2022
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the kindness each of you have shown to us by helping and supporting us along this journey in various ways!
New developments since last month:
1. Joseph was able to have an appointment with a sleep specialist to have an exam to get fitted for an appliance to help correct his sleep apnea. The dentist was very surprised when he took Joseph’s measurements. He thought he was one of the worst cases he had ever seen! 🙃 The measurement at the top of the throat opening when the tongue is at rest in most people averages 20 mm. A drinking straw is 5 mm. Joseph’s opening is 3.5 mm! The appliance will help keep his jaw forward to open up that area while sleeping.
2. We are researching ways to help calm down Joseph’s sensitivities that may be connected with Mast Cell activation. This would hopefully help him be able to tolerate higher levels of treatment. If this works perhaps we can continue with his present doctor without going to a more expensive specialist further away.
We desire your prayers for wisdom as we endeavor to navigate through this challenging illness that can take time to overcome!
There continues to be a need for further finances for treatment, living, and medical debt expenses.
May God bless each of you for your kind care is our prayer!
Update #13
June 24th, 2022
We are deeply grateful for the ongoing love and support that has been so kindly given to us! Thank you each one!!
New developments since last month:
1. The new detox medication Joseph received last month prescribed at half the normal dosage was too strong for him, so his doctor cut his dose in half again.
2. Joseph’s high blood pressure issue caused us to take a closer look at his sleep apnea that he has had for a long time. It has gotten worse the last while with some weight gain from being unable to exercise much. An in-home sleep study test revealed severe obstructive sleep apnea. We are looking into treatment for that, which could give him a boost in healing.
3. We have been concerned the last two or three months that Joseph seems to be going backwards again. We were noticing more weakness in his legs with increasing difficulty walking. Also, along with sensitivity to light,sound, and touch he is now developing sensitivity to some chemical smells such as fragrances and bug spray. This causes his lungs to suddenly tighten with gasping/coughing spasms until he is away from the smell. Through the generosity of a donor, we were able to have a doctor appointment earlier this week. She believes Joseph needs a specialized mold/Lyme doctor due to the rarity and severity of his illness. We are in the process of praying and processing this information.
We have many things to be thankful for, and here are a few of our recent blessings:
1. Joseph’s doctor unexpectedly charged us $80 less than usual
2. His doctor was also able to give a prescription for a mouthpiece to be made for his sleep apnea that saved $90 to have another doctor do it.
3. Someone provided us a free place to stay overnight after the doctor appointment, since it would have been too much for Joseph to travel back home the same day.
May God bless you each one, for your interest and help during this difficult time for our family!!
We have a couple of prayer requests.
1. Joseph longs (Lord willing) to be able to enjoy working and supporting his family again. He also misses being able to go to church and doing activities with his family. He spends most of his time in his recliner. He desires prayer to stay patient in his afflictions and for endurance for his caregiving wife.
2. We desire your prayers for wisdom for how to treat going forward!
“The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.” ~ Nahum 1:7
Update #12
May 18th, 2022
We are deeply grateful for everyone that has helped support us during Joseph’s illness! May God bless you!
Joseph was able to get his new medicine 3 days ago. It will take a little time to see if it will actually work for him. Meanwhile, a serious development has occurred. His blood pressure has gone up (he never had trouble before), so he has a new prescription for that.
The Lyme and co-infection treatment has been put on hold for a few months while detoxing mold, in order to help the Lyme treatment to be more effective. However, since the mold treatment has had to be done so slowly due to a genetic detox problem, his doctor feels his Lyme and co-infections may need treating again soon. We are concerned about the slowness of this process (though it is a less expensive route) than a specialized clinic. We are praying for wisdom going forward. Prayers are appreciated!
We are out of living expense/treatment money once again, but trust God to supply our needs. Our monthly outgo has been around $5,200. Any extra that comes in beyond that will be put toward medical debt and/or treatment.
Thank you for your care and loving support! We pray God will reward each one of you!
April 14th Update
April 14th, 2022
We continue to thank God for providing for us up to this point with food, clothing, medicines, as well as a roof over our heads! However, we are currently out of treatment and living expense funds once again; and are praying that God will continue to provide for our desperate needs as we face new deadlines. We have an immediate need of $5,200. We trust Him to make a way through this, as our needs are over our heads. He is so faithful! We do not know how God will choose to provide, but know that He is able and loves to provide for His children.
Joseph has been unable to work for almost two years now, and it is a miracle that money trickles in as we need it. We would like to share a couple of these more recent instances with you. We had an older washer and dryer set. The washer had been repaired by us 3 or 4 times in the past, and was needing a major repair soon that would not be worth making. Someone offered an almost new set to us for free if we could use them. Another time we had an important blood test that was needed along with a couple of other bills that needed paying by a fast approaching deadline. We began praying about it earnestly, and the next day $800 came from one donor that covered our needs just in time. This is the God we serve - praise His name!!
We believe Joseph is beginning to see some small improvements. He had an appointment with his doctor yesterday. She is prescribing a new medication to help detox his mold better, hopefully. She said it is a real game changer for some. We pray it will be helpful for him too, Lord willing! He will drop another medicine and replace it with this one.
It encourages us greatly to see God’s love coming through many of you that are helping to support us during this valley we find ourselves in. Thank you each one, and may God be praised for his goodness!! We pray a special blessing will be given to each of you. Please feel free to share this need far and wide.
Update #10
March 3rd, 2022
Update #9
January 31st, 2022
We continue to rejoice in God's faithfulness to provide for our needs and for the love shown to us by so many of you during this difficult time!
Currently, treatment funds are ending again. Up to this point, Joseph has been able to get weekly IVs, prescriptions, and nutritional supplements that he's been prescribed. He was also able to have another follow-up doctor visit. His doctor changed one prescription medication to a different strength that is actually quite a bit cheaper and will hopefully help reduce his inflammation. (He is still battling bone pain, and strong, knifing headaches that cause nausea). She also offered to add Joseph to a group of doctors that she works with that do case studies on difficult patient cases. These doctors all specialize in mold/Lyme treatment. This is free advice from several doctors' experiences, so we are thankful for this opportunity!
"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed because His compassions fail not." - Lamentations 3:22. May God be praised for His sustaining mercies to us, and we are thankful for all who have reached out to us. May God bless you each is our prayer!
Update #8
December 21st, 2021
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Update #7
December 17th, 2021
It is hard to make our financial needs known, especially for an extended period of time. We would much rather be able to support ourselves and help someone else! But it is our turn to need help.
Currently our funds for treatment are coming to an end, and Joseph has been having a very difficult time for the past two weeks.
One of his main detox supplements changed their formulation, and we did not realize it right away. It had an extra detox ingredient in it that is very strong. It was too much for him, and has helped pull too many toxins from his tissues too fast. He is extremely fatigued and sleeping a lot in between painfully strong headaches (as in it feels like a knife sticking into his forehead above his left eye) that last a couple of days and nights at a time without much of a break between the old and new ones. Also, when he gets too many toxins circulating in his system he has trouble walking and swallowing food as well as being very sensitive to sound and light. His arms and legs jerk at even small sounds. He has a new supplement now without the ingredient that he is so sensitive to. Hopefully he will feel better soon and continue making better progress!
Another challenge we face is keeping my (Lora’s) health strong in order to care for Joseph and our two youngest children. I am on four prescribed medications and take a few supportive supplements as well. Due to this I have periodic follow up visits with my doctor as well as needed lab work occasionally. This adds extra to our expenses unexpectedly at times.
One of our other biggest challenges is continuing to make minimum payments on medical debt incurred during the early years of Joseph’s illness while being too sick to work and needing treatment.
We apologize if we have gotten tedious, we just wanted to share a little more of what we are up against since it was asked of us. We continue rejoicing in God’s provision and the loving care of others for us during this health journey. We trust God to guide and send the help needed.
Thank you for your interest, and may God bless each one of you!
Update #6
December 9th, 2021
Once again we praise God for continuing to provide for us in various ways, including the kind generosity of others. Our hearts are deeply touched, and we are thankful for each one of you!
Joseph has been able to continue mold treatment with weekly detox IV’s at home. It is a slow, painful process while battling light seizures, strong headaches that feel like his brain is on fire along with bone, joint, and muscle pain. It also causes him to be very fatigued as well as sensitive to light and sound.
We were blessed to be able to travel by SUV with our son and daughter-in-law to Ohio in November, to visit all three of our parents, since all three were having health issues at the same time - two of which required hospitalization. We were also very blessed to spend a couple days with our oldest daughter Amanda. It was a very tiring trip for Joseph, but he rested often and was able to continue IV’s in OH from a friend who is a nurse. This trip has set him back a little, but we are very thankful to have been able to be in OH during our parents’ illnesses. They are all doing much better now.
We continue this journey with our trust in our Heavenly Father, the Great Physician who knows all and is able to provide for all of the needs of His children! We also thank Him for each donor, and pray He will bless you spiritually.
Update #5
October 15th, 2021
We are continually amazed at God’s mercy and care for us through the various ways people have reached out to us during Joseph’s difficult illness with mold, Lyme, and co-infections.
Here is a small update since a recent doctor appointment. Joseph was tested for diabetes since his bloodwork had raised concerns. Thankfully he does not have it yet, though his testing showed he needs to be careful with his diet. One of the new tests also showed that his adrenals are showing signs of bring stressed, so a new supplement was added to help support them as well as a potassium supplement to bring up low levels. This adds to his daily pill intake as well as cost.
His in-home IV’s with his new nurse are going very well. Because of this extra detox support he has been able to begin taking his anti fungal medication once again to help remove mold from his brain and body. The usual protocol for this treatment are 2 pills a day. He is ultra sensitive due to a genetic gene defect and all that is going on in his body, so he can only take one and a half pills a week. This stretches a usual one month mold treatment into 13 months at that rate. The pills exacerbate his symptoms while helping to remove mold. Lyme and co-infection treatment have been put on hold until his mold levels are better so that treatment will be more effective once started again. This lack of treatment can cause worse symptoms as well in the interim, so it is a very difficult process.
We thank God for each dear person that has shown us kindness while helping us along on this journey. We continue to pray that He will bless all of you for your love and generosity!
Update #4
September 18th, 2021
Ps. 138:7 “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.
8 The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
Words seem feeble to us in times like these, and we feel we cannot thank everyone enough for their kindness and help given in various ways!! But we thank God for you, and pray He will richly bless each of you since He sees and knows.
A couple of new developments are that Joseph’s doctor thinks he may do better getting four or five smaller doses of IV treatments a week instead of two larger ones. We have been able to find a local nurse that can come to our home to give the IV’s. We plan to start these on Sept. 23. This will help save his strength and money, while hopefully being able to step up his treatment pace. Financially he was unable to go to the clinic for IV’s for six weeks, until Sept. 7th. So now he is catching up from a backward slide. He is currently experiencing many debilitating headaches, pain in his bones, and very little physical strength and stamina. His doctor has also ordered four tests this coming Tuesday because he has developed new problems since being out of the clinic for a few weeks.
Once again, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for other’s kindnesses, and for God’s faithfulness!
Blessings to you, Joseph, Lora and children.
Update #2
July 26th, 2021
Our hearts continue to be deeply touched by the love and care shown by many who have donated to help Joseph to receive treatment and ease his suffering! We thank God for each one of you!
Currently his doctor has put him on an additional medicine to clear the mold poisoning out of his system which has to be done before we can continue the Lyme treatment. He is also on a stronger medicine to help lower inflammation. This is also to help speed healing. We believe he is making progress in the right direction. He is very motivated to get back to work, but as of yet his stamina is very low and his pain is debilitating.
Thank you everyone (more than we can say) for your loving kindness in your support in various ways! May God bless you!
Update #2
July 26th, 2021
Our hearts continue to be deeply touched by the love and care shown by many who have donated to help Joseph to receive treatment and ease his suffering! We thank God for each one of you!
Currently his doctor has put him on an additional medicine to clear the mold poisoning out of his system which has to be done before we can continue the Lyme treatment. He is also on a stronger medicine to help lower inflammation. This is also to help speed healing. We believe he is making progress in the right direction. He is very motivated to get back to work, but as of yet his stamina is very low and his pain is debilitating.
Thank you everyone (more than we can say) for your loving kindness in your support in various ways! May God bless you!
Update #1
June 17th, 2021
We want to express our deep gratitude to those who have helped us during this medical journey! We praise God for you, and please know that it has helped ease Joseph’s suffering! It has now been a year since Joseph has been strong enough to work. Just the task of dressing himself in the morning takes him down for 3-4 hours.
In light of the mold showing up in Joseph’s lab work, we were able to do an economical test on our house to see if we may have a mold problem here. The test did not show a big problem, for which we are thankful.
Presently we are continuing Joseph’s treatment at home with prescription meds. and nutritional supplements along with two weekly IV treatments at his doctor’s clinic. He is also on a low inflammatory diet.
We are once again in need of funds to continue his treatment. He has not been able to go to the clinic for IV’s this week. We do not want to pressure anyone, just making our need known as we trust God to supply our need as He sees best. We pray God will bless each one of you that has helped us in various ways in the past. Thank you again for your kindness to us during this difficult time!
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