I am writing in the hope that you will help raise awareness about a devastating illness that has changed our lives.

My fiancé, Mark Dorencamp, is living with both ALS and chronic Lyme disease. Every day he faces increasing weakness, difficulty walking, loss of independence and the emotional and financial burden that comes with these illnesses. While insurance covers some aspects of ALS care, many of the treatments, supplements and supportive therapies recommended for chronic Lyme disease are not covered. The out-of-pocket costs have become overwhelming.

One of the most heartbreaking parts of this journey has been seeing how many doctors and insurance companies dismiss the seriousness of chronic Lyme disease and the long-term suffering experienced by many patients. Although researchers have not established that Lyme disease causes ALS, Lyme disease can produce symptoms that closely resemble ALS, and some researchers continue to investigate possible connections between Lyme disease and certain neurological conditions. Patients deserve compassion, open-minded medical care and access to treatments that may improve their quality of life.

I encourage anyone interested in learning more to watch the documentaries “Under Our Skin” and “The Silent Pandemic,” which highlight the struggles faced by many people living with Lyme disease.

We are asking our community for help. Receiving community support would help us afford the medical care, treatments, supplements and therapies that insurance does not cover.

GoFundMe: www.gofundme.com/f/help-my-husband-get-lifesaving-care-dn7bw.

Our hope is not only to receive help but also to bring greater awareness to chronic Lyme disease so that others do not have to fight so hard to be believed and to receive appropriate care.

Dawn Zuck
Woodbourne, NY