Pediatric Lyme Disease

The following is a copy of a letter that I received from a young person named Stephanie Szymanski in the East Aurora area who has chronic Lyme disease, and that the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation has been helping.
I was diagnosed with Lyme disease nearly three years ago; but, my symptoms started about a year and a half before that. I went to various doctors, three neurologists, a few chiropractors, an infectious disease doctor and an ophthalmologist to try and have them figure out what was wrong with me. They all did many tests and gave me many different treatments and medications to try and help.
The first neurologist said my problems were psychosomatic. The second one wasn't sure what was wrong with me; and the third one told me I had a convergence disorder. All those diagnoses were wrong and my parents had the same feeling. A chiropractor gave us a name of a specialist who treats Lyme disease. We got an appointment with her and she diagnosed me immediately.
The doctor put me on a 30 day IV; but, after 28 days I developed an allergy to the antibiotic. Various antibiotics were tried and continued with very little easing of symptoms. The doctor also believes in a holistic approach to healing and prescribed many vitamins, minerals and supplements to help my body heal. All of this was out of pocket for my family as well as the doctor's visits. My parents used up all their savings, re-mortgaged our house, accepted money from family and had a fundraiser in September of 2013 to keep up with all of the expenses.
At the same time my illness took a downward turn and my doctor consulted with Dr. Charles Ray Jones in New Haven, CT. It was also at this time we were introduced to the New York District Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation. A member from the local Kiwanis Club gave us Mr. John Gridley's telephone number. My mom spoke to him about a program that offers financial aid to families with children under 18. The Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation has generously covered our expenses. This has enabled doctor visits, including those to Dr. Jones as well as other doctors' visits to be covered. This has been a great relief to my family.
Words cannot express my gratitude for this help. The financial support from the foundation enabled us to pursue the additional help we needed from experts. The foundation gave my family the ability to carry on when we were desperate and needed it the most. It is more than the money. By talking to Mr. Gridley, my Mom felt his compassion and understanding. It was heart warming to see the relief on her face when we were told about the financial assistance that we would receive.
Kiwanis has impacted our lives and we are eternally grateful.
The Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation is more than help; it is my lifesaver.
Sincerely, Juliet Szymanski (mom) and Stephanie.

Column Posted on Web Site November 1, 2014