Marie Ciasullo
Fairfield County, Connecticut

Total cost: over $150,000
Number of family members with LD: 4 immediate, 16 extended
Lost work/school: immeasurable
Number of years sick: 5

I have chronic Lyme disease, with full neurological involvement. We believe I first contracted Lyme disease when pregnant with our third child. Unfortunately, I was misdiagnosed and mistreated with Lyme. Not only do I suffer daily these consequences but so does my innocent baby son, who was born with congenital Lyme disease.

Despite treatment, length, expensive and invasive treatment, I have constant battles with Lyme disease. I have abnormal brain circulation, cognitive deficits, and nearly constant pain and fatigue.

I have three children with severe, late-stage chronic Lyme disease. I watch my babies suffer and worry about their future. I'm afraid to cry for them because my tears would never stop. I am trying to teach them strength and to help them find peace.

I have little or no energy to share with my husband, the only Lyme-free member of our family. He and I live on the edge of financial disaster--due to Lyme disease.

My parents both have Lyme; two of my sisters have Lyme; one brother, one sister-in-law and one brother-in-law also have Lyme. Oh, and five nieces and nephews. We have all been diagnosed at different places, in different labs. This is so strange and so scary and oh-so sad.