Melonie Bray, an adventurous spirit from Bangor, had always been passionate about the mountains and treasured the moments spent with her young daughter.
However, everything changed after a single tick bite led her into the daunting world of Lyme disease, an infection caused by bacteria carried by parasites.
Health Struggles and Diagnosis
At only 32, Melonie faced an uphill battle against her deteriorating health.
Once a climbing instructor with dreams of becoming a mountain leader, she now grapples with daily challenges that affect her basic functions, communication, and even her ability to keep her eyes open.
Despite these obstacles, her resolve to reclaim her old life remains unshaken, though the financial burden of private treatment looms large, often reaching into thousands of pounds.
Life before this health crisis was filled with activity.
Melonie’s days revolved around taking her daughter to school, exploring mountain trails, and sharing family dinners that created lasting memories.
Unfortunately, that vibrant lifestyle has been drastically altered.
Mornings are particularly tough for her, marked by stiffness that often confines her to bed.
Seeking Answers and Treatment
The nightmare began in July 2022 when Melonie discovered a bullseye rash on her arm.
Initially dismissed by doctors as inconsequential, her condition worsened after they treated her with steroid cream.
By January 2023, she was enduring symptoms that left her hands curled in discomfort, prompting her and her partner to search for answers.
At first, they suspected a rare autoimmune disorder, but further tests revealed a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)—a condition currently without a cure that didn’t improve with physiotherapy.
Then, recalling that distinctive bullseye rash, Melonie began to wonder if Lyme disease might be the culprit.
A self-conducted diagnostic test confirmed her fears, leading her to seek a Lyme disease specialist in Ireland.
Although she commenced treatment, financial constraints created significant barriers, impacting her ability to continue.
Though IV antibiotics provided some relief during hospital visits, treatment was infrequent, and her health continued to decline.
A Call for Awareness and Support
In response to her situation, a GoFundMe campaign has launched to assist Melonie in obtaining the treatments she desperately requires, as necessary care is mostly limited to private funding.
She aims to secure a year’s worth of Ozone therapy, costing £7,000, or to pursue a more extensive treatment option in Germany, which would run her £18,000.
Melonie strongly advocates for anyone bitten by a tick to receive immediate antibiotic care.
She emphasizes the need for urgent updates to existing medical guidelines, particularly to better tackle chronic Lyme disease cases.
Holding onto hope, Melonie dreams of standing at the peak of Snowdon with her daughter, eager to create new adventures together.
Her unwavering spirit serves as an inspiration to others facing similar challenges, reminding them that recovery is not just a possibility but a hopeful reality.
Source: Bbc