Nelsonite still fighting against chronic Lyme disease but needs public support to continue the battle
By Bruce Fuhr
Nelson native Ross Steed continues his fight against chronic Lyme disease.
To help with this courageous battle, Steed’s family has set up a YOUCARING Compassionate Crowdfunding campaign to help get Ross back to visit the Hansa clinic in Kansas for three weeks of treatment.
“I’m really very unwell from the effects of chronic Lyme disease . . . it’s mysterious, nasty surprises and complexities,” Steed said on the YOUCARING video post.
“I hope you never experience what I’m having to endure . . . ever,” Steed adds.
“Last year’s fundraiser . . . provided funds for living expenses, ongoing treatments . . . a myriad of healing protocols and a three-week stay at a Lyme speciality clinic in the US.”
Steed, the son of Jack Steed, was born and raised in Nelson. He attended public school in the Heritage City, graduating from L.V. Rogers High School in 1977.
He now lives in Nelson with his sister Jennifer and his niece Olivia.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. People become infected if a tick that carries the bacteria bites you.
Typically, black-legged ticks and deer ticks spread this disease.
Some of Steed’s daily experiences include:
- profound brain fog / disorientation and confusion
- severe chronic fatigue / complete exhaustion
- muscle wasting / weakness / stumbling gait
- social isolation
- intense neurological pain / burning flesh sensation
- extreme depression
- hopelessness
- acute anxiety
- excessive feelings of guilt
- obsessive compulsive worry
A year ago, Steed and his partner set up a fundraising website, YouCaring.com, in an attempt to raise the necessary funds to help Steed treat the disease.
Steed also composed a music video Take it On to help with the recovery from the disease.
The response was overwhelming and the generosity and love made it possible for Steed to visit the Hansa clinich for treatment.
Steed said his trip to Kansas helped turn the tide on his epic, six-year battle against Lyme disease.
However, there are no more funds in the kitty to get Steed back to the clinic.
So he’s asking for your support to fund the $12,000 CAD + flights, accommodation, car hire and supplements to bring back home adds another $8/10,000 CAD approx.
The YOUCARING website launched December 13.
“This is the heart-breaking aspect of a long term disease – it doesn’t go away and things sometimes don’t get better,” Steed’s sister Jennifer and friend Tisane Scanlan said on the website.
“Ross needs to live, to support his 18-year-old daughter, to continue in his efforts to recover and to be engaged in the world as best he can with on-going therapies and professional support in his home town of Nelson.”
Currently the site has raised $2,600 of its $28,000 goal.
Please give.
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