On December 19, 2011 my world changed. I was awakened in the night with severe head and neck pain. I couldn’t even talk. I had developed viral meningitis. My white count in my spinal fluid was 1327. Tests shows that I was also positive for Lyme Disease and very elevated Epstein–Barr. I am now 41 years old and have been dealing with severe, chronic pain for the past 11 years.

During this time, I have become more and more ill with several additional chronic conditions, including, chronic Epstein-Barr infection, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Mollaret’s Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, Hypothyroidism, Pancreatitis, Hypokalemia, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Lyme Disease. The countless medications I was being given to treat all of these conditions began causing me to have severe seizures and ulcers. I’ve been in a burn unit twice when I reacted adversely to medications that caused my skin to start peeling off.

I have been on disability since 2016. I have lost my ability to work and really just to function in general. I am not able to attend church in person. I have to be very careful not to over-do anything or I will be bedbound for days. My illnesses have cost me a marriage, the chance to have children, financial stability and some of my sanity. Unfortunately, my illness has increased my anxiety and depression due to lack of socialization, financial hardship and dealing with pain and fatigue.

I have missed out on life. Each birthday gets harder as I get older and only have a longer list of medical problems to show for it. My brain fog keeps me from remembering things. All of this isolation due to illness and pain has affected my life in a very significant way. I want to live and not just exist. I don’t want to feel like a burden to anyone anymore. I want to give back and feel like I am an active member of society again. I also want to be able to spend time with family and friends. We tend to take these very simple things for granted, but when you can’t do the things you desire to, life becomes bleak and grueling.

In researching additional alternative treatment options, my holistic doctor told me about Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). I’ve learned that HBOT has been extremely successful in treating people who suffer from many different infections and autoimmune conditions, including Lyme Disease and Epstein-Barr. HBOT acts as an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal agent. It has been shown to reduce pain significantly, alleviate sleep dysfunction, and reduce cognitive impairment. It also decreases inflammation and swelling, increases energy, and increases the body’s white blood cell activity, boosting the immune system and promoting healing.

I learned that there is a non-profit facility in Northwest Ohio that I can go to called Sara’s Garden. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for my situation is only $150 per treatment at Sara’s Garden (as opposed to $1,500-2,500 per treatment at a hospital). Unfortunately, in the United States insurance companies do not recognize HBOT as being therapeutic for the treatment of these conditions, and will therefore not cover the cost of the treatments. Since my plan is to receive at least 40 HBOT treatments that cost adds up quickly. I could really use your help! I live on a very low income, some months I can’t even afford the proper food, supplements, prescriptions and gas for appointments.

If you could assist me with the cost (or even just part of the cost) of a single $150 treatment it would help reduce my overall expenses greatly. 100% of the funds received will go into an account in my name and will be used for my treatments. Any contribution made would be considered a tax-deductible donation as Sara’s Garden is a 501(c)(3) non-profit facility. Checks can be made out to Sara’s Garden with my name on a sheet of paper accompanying the check. You can also donate online via credit card by clicking on the DONATE NOW button below.

I appreciate everyone who is helping me through this process and I can’t wait to see the impact it has on my life. Thank you so very much for considering the support of my treatments at Sara’s Garden, I cannot put into words how thankful I am to have this opportunity! Your love and support will not go unnoticed or unappreciated!

Sincerely,
Amanda Pirooz