Kaylee – A Brighter Future

Five years ago, my life changed drastically when I became ill. My symptoms became very debilitating and included stomach issues, severe joint pain, horrible fatigue, eye infections, and skin problems. After visiting a gastrointestinal doctor, rheumatologist, and endocrinologist with no diagnosis, my mom starting researching my symptoms and suspected Lyme disease. I ordered a test kit and used iGenex lab for my diagnosis since the traditional 2-tiered testing (utilizing the Elisa test first) is often unreliable. Finally, I learned that I had Lyme disease.

I began a hard fight to beat this disease. I suffered from hair loss, sleep deprivation, food and chemical sensitivities, Herxheimer reactions to bacteria die off, and more. The fatigue was the most unbearable of all. Lyme became a physical and mental battle. My life was no longer my own.

I traveled to multiple states seeing many Lyme-literate doctors and treatment centers. Some treatments helped more than others. At times, I felt like giving up. The life I had once known disappeared, and I felt like most people didn’t understand my intense pain. My chronic exhaustion and fatigue were the biggest barrier to attending school. Just taking a shower made me feel like I had just finished a 25-mile marathon. I missed my senior year of high school because I didn’t have enough stamina to attend, let alone accomplish daily tasks. I could not attend college due to all of my symptoms.

Since insurance won’t pay for Lyme treatment, the battle was not only physical and mental, but financial, too. The financial battle slowed my healing process. Then, I heard about LymeLight Foundation and things became much brighter. I received a grant that pushed me closer to restored health. I used funds for treatment, supplements and therapies to help me get better. I am still fixing some damage to my immune system, but I would not be at this new place in my life without LymeLight.

It is impossible to put in words the amount of gratitude I have for LymeLight Foundation. Only a Foundation like this can possibly understand the marathon this disease presents. Without the funds, I can honestly say that I may not be here today. There were many times I felt I would not make it physically or mentally. I still have a little ways to go, but I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I am enrolled to start college in a few months. It has always been my dream to be an aesthetician. I love the science of skin! With all of the skin problems I have faced with Lyme, I know I can help others who suffer from the same issues. I want to bring hope and confidence to others. I plan to help others believe in themselves and make them feel better about the skin they are in. Thank you, LymeLight for helping to make this dream come true.

Thanks also to my mom who does better research than the FBI! I’ve seen a huge difference in my health. Your Foundation is such a beacon of hope to countless others. I will NEVER forget what this foundation has done for me, my family, and my future.