This recent story about Jennifer Parker reminded me of the shocking range of health effects mold can potentially have. Sure, we already know mold can cause some allergic reactions to sensitive people. But these are nothing compared to the horrors caused by mycotoxicosis. Victims of mold poisoning become mobile colonies of mold growth. This sickness can gradually strip away their livelihood, their health, and eventually their life.
At 25, Jennifer Parker had a successful business, a busy social life, and owned her own house. But then, her health had started to decline. Her symptoms ranged from physical aches, pains, and bleeding to mental illnesses like dizziness, loss of motor skills, and confusion. Jennifer Parker was dying.
Her mother says her daughter experienced a kind of “brain fog” where Jennifer would call from the side of the road and say “I’m lost and I don’t know how to get home.” She would lie in bed for a couple of weeks with pains and aches all over her body.
Whenever Jennifer would touch anything, she would leave behind pink fingerprints that could not be washed away. These fingerprints were caused by her body trying to rid itself of the toxins through her pores.
At 31, Jennifer Parker lives in a tent in her mother’s backyard. Her body has developed multiple chemical sensitivity, a common aftereffect of toxic mold exposure. This condition makes her so sensitive to manmade chemicals that she can’t live indoors. This will probably stay with her the rest of her life.
It is inexcusable that it took doctors until a year ago to properly diagnose her illness and prescribe a treatment. Eventually, Jennifer found Dr. Andrew Campbell, a Texas immune and toxic disorders specialist who solved the “mystery.” Jennifer’s body was found to contain toxin producing fungus like stachybotrys, aspergillus, penicillium, and trichothecene. Campbell has prescribed six to eight months of treatment with Cancidas, a common drug used to cure hurricane Katrina victims who experienced mold infection.
The treatment will cost $1000 a week and the $30,000 total funding must be secured before she can begin the treatment that will save her life. Naturally, her insurance company refused to pay, but after this story gained some attention it seems they have been more accommodating. Still, Jennifer needs money to make co-payments and has since held a fundraiser. I am including the following information if you would like to help:
For information on how to help, e-mail: Friendsofjenniferparker@yahoo.com
Donations can be sent to:
Friends of Jennifer Parker Fund
C/O TD Bank
399 New Road
Somers Point, NJ 08244
E-mail Robert Spahr:
RSpahr@pressofac.com
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