Help Henry Reclaim His Life: A Journey to Healing from Lyme

I've known Jessica and Matt Peterson for the majority of my lifetime, and it's been heartbreaking to watch their oldest son, Henry, struggle with a debilitating illness for over nine years. This bright, energetic 14-year-old has been gradually robbed of his childhood by a relentless, invisible enemy. What began as subtle, unexplained symptoms slowly intensified, leading to a diagnosis of an autoimmune disease in 2022. Last year, the underlying cause was finally identified: Lyme disease, along with several rare and challenging co-infections.

For the past two years, Henry's life has revolved around doctor's appointments, tests, and treatments. His parents have tirelessly sought help from conventional doctors, functional medicine practitioners, and Lyme-literate specialists across Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota. He's endured high-dose IVIG infusions to bolster his compromised immune system and countless other treatments, most of which aren't covered by insurance. Despite their unwavering dedication and Henry's incredible resilience, these treatments haven't yet brought the relief he so desperately needs.

It's devastating to see how this illness has transformed Henry; his daily reality is a stark contrast to the active, sports-loving boy he once was. Brain fog clouds his mind, making school a constant struggle. He's missed the majority of the last two years of junior high, a heartbreaking reality for a bright and eager learner. Extreme fatigue steals the energy he once poured into excelling at sports. Chronic stomach pain, headaches, and body aches are his constant companions. The vibrant spark that once defined him has dimmed, replaced by the heavy burden of chronic illness.

Henry’s parents refuse to give up hope. After extensive research, they've found a promising treatment called Augmented Autologous Stem Cell Therapy, a 10-week program offered in India. This innovative therapy, which uses Henry's own stem cells, has shown remarkable success in treating Lyme disease and its associated co-infections. Unfortunately, this specific treatment is not yet available in the US.

The cost of this life-changing treatment is $50,000. This significant financial undertaking is not covered by insurance. Every donation, no matter the size, is humbly appreciated.

Please consider helping to give Henry the opportunity to be a kid again – to play sports, to thrive in school, and to simply enjoy life free from the debilitating grip of Lyme disease. Your generosity will not only help fund this crucial treatment but also offer Henry encouragement as he continues to fight this battle. We are grateful for your well wishes and prayers for Henry to reclaim his health, his education, and his future.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support and for sharing Henry's story. We are hopeful it brings much needed awareness for many others who are living with this obscure and insidious disease.