Lindsay's Fight For Life

Hi, my name is Rachel and I'm fundraising for my sister's life.

Lindsay has been suffering with eczema for as long as I can remember, which is an inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin & rashes. She has seen countless doctors and dermatologist that have prescribed emollients, topical corticosteroids, and oral steroids. All of which seem to help for the short term, but her flares and rashes began lasting for longer durations with quicker increments in between the outbreaks.

Amongst the discomfort, from 2013-2020, Lindsay was able to achieve a Bachelors in Healthcare Administrations and Healthcare Management with a Masters in Clinical Research Management. She went on to become a Clinical Research Coordinator and Clinical Data Monitor. Being in the health care industry herself, she found it incredibly discouraging to not have any answers as to why she couldn't control her eczema flares and why none of the creams, ointments, lotions, or orals steroids, that her doctors had been prescribing were working. These were physicians that she knew and trusted, and still no answers or sign of relief in sight.

She then turned to holistic medicine, where she spent numerous hours trying cryotherapy, light therapy, acupuncture, drips, vitamin shots, muscle testing, etc... All falling short of helping her find reprieve from the pain of her dry, firey, itchy & burning skin.

Feeling like there were no options, Lindsay began digging deeper in clinical studies and text regarding Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome (TSWS), also known as Red Skin Syndrome (RSS). This is a debilitating condition that can arise from the over use of topical steroids to treat a skin problem, such as eczema.

TSW is characterized by red, itchy, burning skin that can appear after ceasing topical steroid treatments or even between treatments. Lindsay realized that as time passed, applying topical steroids resulted in less and less clearing and the problem escalated beyond her control. The burning, red & itchy patches began spreading to all areas of her body.

About a year and a half ago Lindsay took a turn for the worst. She lost most of her hair, was housebound, and has been bedridden for the last 2 months. At this point, Lindsay has lost all hope for healing and wholeness. She had to quit her job, because she couldn't make it through a day without debilitating pain. She is a proud mama of 3 beautiful angels (Lexi, Tyler, and Isaac). She has not been able to visit her daughter in college, attend her son's soccer games, or care for her little one. She feels as though she is also letting her husband down and falling short of everything she believes God has put her here on this earth to do.

About a month ago, Lindsay tried one more blood test, and tested positive for Lyme disease, which is the main contributor for why she has not been able to clear the Topical Steroid Withdrawal.

My mom, having Lyme herself, recommending a clinic in Clear Water Florida called LifeWorks Wellness Center, where she has had a good experience as they are ranked #1 in the country.

Lindsay flew down on Sunday, November 12th and was seen for a 3 hour consultation by Monday. During that consultation, they drew more blood and quickly identified that she not only had Lyme and TSW, but also various co infections such as Anaplasma, Borrelia, Babesia, Spirochetes, Bartonella, Rickettsia and Erlichia.

They recommended she stay for a minimum of 6-10 weeks to be treated on a vary rigorous treatment program. This will force her to be away from her family over the holidays, as well as cause yet another financial stressor, as the wellness center does not take insurance.  All that said, for the first time in a very long time, I heard hope in my sisters voice. Hope for healing and wholeness, and the courage to get up and keep fighting. 

The treatment itself costs $30,000 (for the min. of 6 weeks), and does not include lodging and transportation. They have estimated this total cost to come to $45-50k, for the minimum amount of treatment. She will then have to continue treatment here in Michigan, assuming she finds physicians that agree and can adhere to her plan. All of these out of pocket expenses have proven to be too much for her family to bear, and she is in need of support to enable her to proceed with treatment.

Any amount of support would mean the world to Lindsay, to help her get whole again and live the life she has been longing for for years.

Thank you & God Bless