Jeff Faber's Lyme Treatment Fund

In June 2015, my brother-in-law, Jeff, was stricken with an unexplained illness after finally landed his dream job as a chef de partie at Trius Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. From being one of the most energetic, positive, genuine and engaging people I know, Jeff was reduced to a shadow of himself. Although he would try his best to put on a brave face, you could see the impact of his illness on not only his physical self, but his morale. As a newlywed in his early 20s, his life had essentially changed overnight. He couldn't get out of bed most days, had terrible coordination and balance to the point where he couldn't stand on his own or walk in a straight line. He developed a tremor in his head causing it to shake uncontrollably, as well experienced muscle and joint pain, neuropathy in his legs, and several other symptoms. Worst of all was (and still is) the chronic fatigue.

Due to his illness, Jeff has been unable to work for the past 3 years. In that time, he and Shannon, his wife (and my sister), have spent considerable time and energy searching for any way to improve his health, including neurologically-based physiotherapy through a private company in Niagara. Given that Jeff has been unable to work and Shannon has inconsistent piece-work teaching, the expenses of the physiotherapy treatment, although showing some improvements in Jeff’s walking, have been very taxing on the couple. In fact, less than a year after treatment began, they moved in with their friends who offered the housing option to ease the couple’s financial burden. Although they were in a constant state of not knowing what was wrong, it was the support of their friends, family, and faith that allowed them to remain strong. After multiple other treatments attempts, numerous tests, and finally having results sent for analysis to the United States, Jeff was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in 2016.

Although the physiotherapy has helped, it has reached its foreseen limits. Jeff and Shannon had nearly run out of hope for a full recovery. It wasn't until earlier this year that Jeff discovered that he had options. After extensive research, making numerous international phone calls, and meeting with a specialist in the field, Jeff and Shannon found a treatment in Germany that will give Jeff his best chance at regaining his previous quality of life. Dr. Wittstadt and his clinic have a high success rate with patients on average feeling 75% better and over 90% of patients seeing improvements. Jeff is an ideal candidate for this treatment; the only issue is the money.

Shannon has told me how the generosity of others throughout their journey has been overwhelming. Those that have prayed, offered guidance, paid for something big or small as an act of kindness, or have been good friends have been true testament to how much they are loved and supported. While Jeff and Shannon have done everything in their power to help his recovery, it’s not in their nature to ask for financial aid. Some people in the community have been asking about ways to offer their support. This is your opportunity. Your contribution to this GoFundMe page will pay for the initial treatment in Germany, Jeff’s flights to and from Germany, his accommodations while abroad, additional treatments upon return, and other incidentals. Without this funding, Jeff, a passionate and hard-working chef, will never be able to return to work. The goal is for Jeff to begin treatment in January 2019. The sooner we can raise the money for Jeff, the sooner the couple can get on with their lives.

For those of you who know Shannon and Jeff, you know that this couple would be the first to offer their time and efforts for friends, family and the greater community. For those of you who don’t know the couple, they are a young, optimistic, hard-working pair who have started married life with trials more monumental that many twice their age. This couple is generous to a fault, loving and understanding. If there was ever a chance to show them how much we support them, this is it. Please, I am imploring you to donate to Jeff’s treatment fund. Help give Jeff his best chance!