Name: Karen & Megan

Age: 8 years old (Karen) and 15 years old (Megan)

Location: Kansas, USA

Diagnosis: Karen: Suspected lyme disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and uveitis; Megan: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suspected lyme disease, severe dyslexia, and central auditory processing disorder (CAPD).

Loan Sought: $520

Loan Needed For: IGeneX basic lymes disease panel for each child. The test is $260 each, so $520 for both.

Repayment Terms: One lump-sum repayment by February 28, 2010.

Other Notes: Karen and Megan are sisters from a family of five children, each of whom have various health issues. The parents believe that the children are suffering from Lyme Disease, and that some of the children may have Lyme-induced autism. They would like to conduct a test for Lymes that is not covered by insurance but that is considered to be a definitive test for Lymes. By having the results from this test, the family will be better equipped with information they need to pursue treatments, if needed. The family originally requested a loan to test four of the children, but in the hopes that the loan will be fulfilled more quickly if it is a lesser amount, they have decided to get Megan and Karen tested first.

Their mom, Shelly, writes, “Karen is 8, and very smart. She is apparently neurotypical. She was diagnosed with JRA [juvenile rheumatoid arthritis] and uveitis at age 6. She has been on homeopathic remedies from the naturopath, probiotics, antivirals, acupuncture, chinese herbs, supplements, curcumin, allergy shots, allergy drops from the naturopath, rebirthing for birth trauma resolution, proteolytic enzymes, porters milk cure diet, IGG food allergy testing, a diet of 8 foods ramping up to 30, and is possible celiac per a gastro specialist. She was negative on her lymes test from the hospital but we think she has lymes, and this test would prove it and allow me to pursue treatment for lymes and not get into a hassle with her rheumatologist or opthomologist. She is 2 1/2 years inflammation-free and off all steroids as well as NOT on Nsaids or immunosuppressors like 99% of all of the other kids with uveitis.

Megan is 15 years old with Aspergers, central auditory processing disorder, dyslexia, insomnia, headaches, and fatigue. She tested positive for mercury and lead on her hair test. She has been made sick by almost every biomedical treatment we have tried, and her adrenal cortisol test revealed that she makes almost no cortisol (only one time a day, in the evening, it reaches a 3, but the rest of the day, nothing). Attempts we’ve made with chelators have failed because of the adrenal problem. She has adverse reactions to the sauna [used for therapeutic purposes]. She has fevers, chills, weakness, and brain symptoms. She has been going to a naturopath for a year, and we still have not been able to see any improvement because so far everything we try, fails. Megan is a beautiful girl but has a difficult time keeping her energy up and becomes weak often. She loves playing video games. We would like to get the IGeneX test for lymes induced autism. Her older brother regressed between ages 10 and 14 into autism, and we fear she will continue a downward spiral to regression also if we do not do something.”

Special Note: Shelly also writes, “Their 20 year old older brother Shawn made a full recovery from doing Andy Cutler chelation for 8 months; three months into treatment he was showing amazing gains. During biomedical treatment his OCD fear of bathing and leaving the house went away, as did his insomnia, headaches, and nausea. His eye contact and socialization went through the roof, he learned basic life skills, and he was then able to learn to drive and attend college and held down a job. He discontinued treatment early after 8 months, and two and a half years later is experiencing regression but he is no longer living at home. He is no longer well enough to attend college or have a job. We would like for him to move home so that we could take care of him.”

Reference Provided By: Dana, Anna C, and Judith Weeg (President of the Lyme Disease United Coaltion. The Coalition’s website is not up yet, but Judith refers people to THIS WEBSITE).

To make a loan for Karen and Megan, click on the “ChipIn” button below or at the top of the page. It will take you to PayPal. If the ChipIn widget does not work for you, you can use PayPal (www.paypal.com) to send your loan to lend4health@gmail.com and note that it is for Karen and Megan.

Karen and Megan’s Community of Lenders [not updated real-time]:

Karen S: $50 ["So glad to see them getting Igenex testing, know that even Igenex can have false negatives, but is a much better test than standard labs. If they can get the kids to a LLMD (lyme literate doc), to be assessed for co-infections as well, that would be a good goal after the initial testing. Best of luck to the family, lyme is a very rough road."]
Cara: $10
Noel: $25
Grandma Gini: $15 ["I like helping sisters."] Note this loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $15.

First Posted On: April 4, 2009

Name: Matthias

Age: 5 years old

Location: Arizona, USA

Diagnosis: Autism

Loan Sought: $1,386

Loan Needed For: SUPPLEMENTS: TMG (1 month) $46; AlphaKeto Gluteric Acid (1 month) $18; Super Nu Thera P5P (4 months) $50; Methyl B-12 shots (3 months) $111; LAB TESTS: Microbial Organic Acid $145; French Lab $370; Urine Toxic $60 for lab and $250 for IV Med; PRBC $136; and Follow-up visit to DAN! [Defeat Autism Now!] Doctor $200.

Repayment Terms: 18 months ($77/month).

Other Notes: Matthias’ mom, Lisa, writes, “Matthias is a handsome, joyful 5 year old who loves to watch movies and play on the slide for hours. He also loves to have you read books to him.

Matthias was diagnosed with autism on October 13, 2006. At that time he had no speech at all and we immediately started doing lots of SPT [speech therapy], OT [occupational therapy], PT [physical therapy], AND MUSIC Therapy. Matthias also has many issues with his gut, and we have to take him regularly to see a Gastro Doctor here. He also as Sensory Integration Disorder which causes him to not sit still because he is constantly seeking that certain kind of input his brain is searching for.

As you can imagine, the past 3 years have been a journey and we had come a long way with his speech, but I truly believe that by using biomedical treatment my son will be able to be recovered. That is the reason we are seeking this kind of treatment.

He started taking Super Nu Thera 2 years ago, and started a Casein Free diet then also. The past 4 months he has been on a Gluten Free diet as well.

The reason I am in need of this loan is because in 2007 I had to quit my full time job to be able to care for my son and in doing so, this has taken away the opportunity to be able to provide large sums of money to be able to pay for biomedical treatment.

I want the lenders to know that Matthias is a true joy to have as my son, and I look forward to being able to see the progress he makes with biomedical treatment.”

Additional Notes: Lisa learned about Lend4Health through Facebook. She keeps a blog that talks about Matthias’ biomedical journey called “My Boys, My Greatest Gifts in Life.” Read it by clicking HERE.

Reference Provided By: Rebecca C, Ruth-Ann S, Lori W, and the office of DAN! doctors Jeff Bradstreet and Matthew Baral.

To make a loan for Matthias, click on the “ChipIn” button below or at the top of the page. It will take you to PayPal. If the ChipIn widget does not work for you, you can use PayPal (www.paypal.com) to send your loan to lend4health@gmail.com and note that it is for Matthias.

Matthias’ Community of Lenders [not updated real-time]:

Logan’s Family: $10
Tori: $5 [Cinco de Linco!]
Michaela: $15 [Cinco de Linco!]
Jeanne: $5 [Cinco de Linco!]
Petra: $10 [Cinco de Linco!]
Sean: $10 [Cinco de Linco!]
Karen F: $5 [Cinco de linco, one day late'o, we were out of town'o]
Amy: $25
Dana: $10
Jannett (Alani’s mom): $5
Bonnie C: $5
Penny (Logan’s mom): $5
Karen F (again): $5
Manojkumar: $10 ["Thanks for this website. This is a great way to help the autism community."]
Amy P: $50 [this loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $50]
Karen F (again): $10 [re-loaned from Charlie's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $10.
Angela: $20
Rachel (Julian’s mom): $20
Petra (again): $10 ["My random act of kindness for today."]
Mark: $35
Dana C (again): $30
Ian: $25
Tori: $5 [Cinco de Linco!]
Karen F (again): $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Jeanne: $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Dana C (again): $5 [Happy Cinco de Linco!]
Kristina (Jordan’s mom): $5

This family has received a gift (not a loan) of $100 from Betty Lou and Charles Carter outside of Lend4Health. The loan request has been reduced by $100.

Sheri: $35 [Re-loaned from Brock's repaid loan]
Petra: $10 ["Belated Cinco de Linco loan on Cinco de Mayo"]
Gretchen: $50

First Posted On: March 28, 2009

Name: Michael

Age: 8 years old

Location: New Mexico

Diagnosis: Autism

Loan Sought: $1,405 [reduced from $1,605 on 5/5/09 since Nordic Naturals offered to provide a year's worth of free products for Michael, roughly $200 worth]

Loan Needed For: A variety of supplements and tests: (1) $350 for approximately one year’s worth of B-12 shots; (2) $350 for approximately one year’s worth of calcium/vitamin D, Magnesium Citrate, Multi Enzyme, Super Nu Thera, Taurine, TMG, Glutathione, NAC, Probio Gold, S. Boulardi, Nasal Oxytocin, and Probiotics; (3) $200 for one year’s worth of Nordic Naturals Cod Liver Oil and DMG; (4) $275 for six months of OSR; (5) $130 for porphyrin test at French lab; and (6) $300 for IgE/IgG food allergy/sensitivity panel. Michael’s DAN! [Defeat Autism Now!] doctor is Dr. Kenneth Stoller.

Repayment Terms: One lump sum, due 12 months after loan fulfilled.

Other Notes: Michael’s mom, Laura, writes, “Michael is 8 and was diagnosed last year with Autism. We have been on our journey for 16 months. He is HFA [high-functioning autism] and in my opinion has a great chance to recover. Michael loves art and computers. He plays soccer, and thanks to bio med, is no longer crying on the field. His first year of soccer, was nothing but crying. In 2003 we knew that something was not right with him. He was requiring hand-over-hand assistance in order to figure out what he needed. He had 15-20+ meltdowns a day. He did not potty train until 5.5. He had no social skills, and his sensory was a mess. We went to Child Find multiple times in search of a diagnosis. Our school district was unable to give us any answers and marked him as DD in his evaluation. We saw many psychologists all of whom were just as clueless. Finally, at the beginning of 2007 we received the diagnosis of high-functioning autism. I consider Michael to be lucky. I read Jenny McCarthy’s book “Louder Than Words” at the book store because I could not afford to buy the book. The very next day…I found a rescue angel, Lynne Sanchez. She pointed me to Dr. Stoller, and my son was on his way to recovery. We have had recent regression, but we have almost corrected it. I do think that Michael is the most amazing child and because of him I learn every day. Every day is not easy, but we have our accomplishments.

Reference Provided By: Victoria W. (also a Lend4Health lender), Lynne S., and the office of Dr. Stoller

To make a loan for Michael, click on the “ChipIn” button below or at the top of the page. It will take you to PayPal. If the ChipIn widget does not work for you, you can use PayPal (www.paypal.com) to send your loan to lend4health@gmail.com and note that it is for Michael.

Michael’s Community of Lenders [not updated real-time]:

Alison: $25
Martha: $25
Jeanne: $18 [loan made from Brock's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $18.
Catherine: $125 [re-loan from Brock's repaid loan]
Will: $25 [re-loan from Brock's repaid loan]
Karen M: $50
Karen F: $5
Faustin’s family: $20
Tori: $5 [Cinco de Linco!]
Jeanne: $5 [Cinco de Linco!]
Petra: $10 [Cinco de Linco!]
Renee: $5 [Cinco de Linco!] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $5.
Sean: $10 [Cinco de Linco!]
Patti: $5
Karen F: $5 [Cinco de linco, one day late'o, we were out of town'o]
Matt: $10 [re-loaned from Julian's repaid loan] Loan was made outside of ChipIn, so ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $10.
Dana C: $10
Jannett (Alani’s mom): $5 ["paying it forward"]
Fion: $20
Angie F: $20 ["I think what you are doing is fantastic! My daughter has ASD and we have been doing biomed for awhile now. We've made lots of progress and I think it's great that you are helping others to have that option of biomed."]
Karen F (again): $5
Amy P: $50 [this loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $50]
Karen F (again): $10 [re-loaned from Charlie's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $10.
Michelle: $20 [re-loaned from Charlie's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $20.
Petra (again): $10 ["My random act of kindness for today."]
Mark: $35
Dana C (again): $30
Ian: $25
Noel: $25 (re-loan from Avery & Anthony’s repaid loan) [loan made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $25]
Tori: $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Karen F (again): $5 [Cinco de Linco]
MaryBeth: $5 (”In memory of Mason“) [Cinco de Linco]
Jeanne: $5 [Cinco de Linco]

Tim Terry of Nordic Naturals has offered to provide $200 worth of Michael’s cod liver oil for free. This is a gift, not a loan, so the loan request amount has been reduced by $200.

Dana C (again): $5 [Happy Cinco de Linco!]
Kristina (Jordan’s mom): $5
Shawn: $10
Petra: $10 ["Belated Cinco de Linco loan on Cinco de Mayo"]
Jason: $10
Jeanne, Mike, and Charlie: $10
Luke: $20
Karen F (again): $10
Jody: $10
Joanna: $20
Tim: $20 ["For my new friend Michael."]
Randy at AutismFreeZone: $20 ["Hope this helps!"]
Jessica P: $20
Jennifer M: $25
Michelle: $20

Name: Raymond

Age: 9 years old

Location: California

Diagnosis: Autism

Loan Sought: $500

Loan Needed For: Appointment with DAN! [Defeat Autism Now!] doctor Allan Sosin at the Institute for Progressive Medicine on June 12, 2009. This will be Raymond’s first appointment with a DAN! doctor.

Repayment Terms: 18 months ($27.78/month)

Other Notes: Raymond’s mom, Melanie, writes, “I am the mother to 3 beautiful children. My oldest son Raymond has severe autism. He is a loving boy who enjoys watching Veggie Tales and Toy Story. He loves the outdoors, especially swimming and jumping on trampolines. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 20 months old, and he will be 10 in October. Up until this point, Raymond has not been on any medication, but, as he grows older and stronger and more aggressive, I need to get him on a path to healing. Raymond bites himself and others. I have tried everywhere and every way i know to try and get some help for him, but the doors just keep slamming shut. I have recently learned about DAN! doctors and all the great work that they do. As you all know, the cost for a DAN! doctor is not covered by any insurance. I desperately need to get Raymond in to see a DAN! doctor and to get the tests done to get him on the right track to healing his gut. If you could help us in any way so that he can get the doctor that he deserves we would greatly appreciate it.”

Special Notes: Melanie had never heard of DAN! doctors or the biomedical approach to treating autism until she went to the Generation Rescue website and got a local Rescue Angel named Robin. Melanie learned about Lend4Health through the Stillpoint Center for Integrative Medicine. She has an appointment with Dr. Allan Sosin on June 12 and is hoping this loan can get funded before then. The $500 loan is not the full amount that she needs, but she is hoping to also get contributions from family, and is considering other creative avenues for funding such as doing a car wash fundraiser.

Reference Provided By: Kurt B., Oscar L., and the Institute for Progressive Medicine.

To make a loan for Raymond, click on the “ChipIn” button below or at the top of the page. It will take you to PayPal. If the ChipIn widget does not work for you, you can use PayPal (www.paypal.com) to send your loan to lend4health@gmail.com and note that it is for Raymond.

Raymond’s Community of Lenders [not updated real-time]:

Jessica: $20
Angela: $20
Maureen: $5 ["Best of Luck on your Journey. My thoughts and prayers are with you. This Biomedical path is amazing. Peace be with you."]
Petra: $10 ["Belated Cinco de Linco loan on Cinco de Mayo"]
Tanya (Avery & Anthony’s mom): $20 ["Just felt the need to help this little man out like so many did for us. So many doors will be opened for this mama at this first visit."]
Jessica (again): $50 ["I've gotten a little obsessed with this June 12 doctor's appointment - that's only a month away! So I'm lending a bit more."]
Mark: $5
Karin $100 ["I'm so excited for the changes you'll see in Raymond!"]

This loan has been fully funded and disbursed!

First Posted On: April 28, 2009

Name: Lauren

Age: 6 years old

Location: California

Diagnosis: Autism

Loan Sought: $494

Loan Needed For: A year’s membership on DAN! [Defeat Autism Now!] doctor Kurt Woeller’s AutismActionPlan.org website. [Note: Lend4Health families receive a $169 rebate on a year's membership to AutismActionPlan.org. AutismActionPlan.org is a very supportive partner of Lend4Health.]

Repayment Terms: 12 months

Other Notes: Lauren’s dad, Daniel, writes, “It seems like everyone is struggling these days to make ends meet. My family has helped as much as they can, but they are now in the same state. My daughter Lauren is a sweet girl who displays few behavioral issues anymore but continues to struggle with the most basic speech and comprehension. Her focus is much better after 2 years of 20+ hours a week of ABA with the Lovaas Institute. Her treatments are funded by the Harbor Regional Center and the local school district - the trade-off is we have to live in a costly area (though we found the least expensive place we could). Lauren gets sick often and will be congested about 3-4 nights per week. I’m sure this would be improved through biomedical intervention. Lauren’s diet is a real problem. She is very stubborn and refuses to eat fruits and vegetables so we definitely need help. I lost my job at the end of January and have been struggling to make ends meet - and of course it’s more expensive to buy healthy foods. I simply can’t afford to get her the best treatment, which she deserves. I feel guilty that I could be doing more for my daughter, even though I do my best. She is a very hard worker and an angel of a girl. Thank you for this wonderful program - you are angels on a very important crusade to save our children from a lifetime of dependence and uncertainty. Thank you for your consideration.”

Special Note: Daniel learned about Lend4Health through a post on the TACA message board.

Reference Provided By: Dan G. and Brian K.

Lauren’s Community of Lenders:

Bridget: $494 [This kind soul also sent an extra $506 as a gift (not a loan) to this family.]

UPDATES - UPDATES - UPDATES

April 29, 2009: This loan was fully funded — by one person and within one day! That is a first in Lend4Health history!

April 29, 2009: Promissory note sent to Daniel for signature.

April 29, 2009: Signed promissory note received from Daniel.

April 29, 2009: Loan of $494 (plus gift of $506) sent to Daniel via PayPal. Loan repayments will begin on June 15, 2009.

This loan has been funded and disbursed!

First Posted On: March 28, 2009

Name: Levi

Age: 7 years old

Location: Vermont, USA

Diagnosis: PANDAS/PDD

Loan Sought: $900 [amount is approximate; it is expected it will be reduced after family can confirm costs of tests with doctor on Monday, March 30]

Final loan amount: $758

Loan Needed For: (1) 3 months of B-12; (2) stool test; (3) organic acid test (urine)

Repayment Terms: One lump sum, 12 months after loan fulfilled.

Other Notes: Levi’s mom, Christel, writes, “Levi had a diagnosis of severe autism at 22 months old, and has since been doing biomedical treatments. He moved his diagnosis to PDD-NOS [Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified] and was only one point from being ON or OFF the autism spectrum at all (as of October 2007) thanks to biomedical. However, he has PANDAS, which throws him off into a backslide quickly. We are in a tailspin right now with many changes of moving to a new state, new school, new church, new friends, new house, etc, and we are watching his immune system bottom out with the stress. We are having to let some supplements go due to finances.

We are needing to run a comprehensive stool test and organic acid test on our son with our DAN! [Defeat Autism Now!] doctor and do not have the money for it, as well as order his B12 that he has run out of. He is in the middle of some sort of regression after moving and stress at home, and we are needing to get to the biomedical source of it all…and get him back! He has been doing so well for so long and it’s so hard to lose him all over again! I have helped the autism community for years and find it very humbling to ask for help from them in return in our time of need. I just can’t stand to see him so helpless all over again. Thank You.” Levi’s DAN! doctors are Jeremy Baptist and Jeffrey Wulfman.

Special Note from Lend4Health founder, Tori: Christel is a very active and extremely helpful participant on several online autism-related groups, including the GFCFKids Yahoo group. It was based on my participation on this group that I founded Lend4Health in June 2008.

Reference Provided By: Tori T.

Levi’s Community of Lenders:

Daniel: $30
Janice: $10
Duda Missionary Ministry: $10
Laurie: $10
Stephanie: $10
Tammera: $10
Tori: $25 [Loan made from Delia's repaid loan.] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $25.
Sheri: $40
Fidel: $40
Heather D: $16 [re-loan from Delia's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $16.
Patty: $25
Jennifer M: $25
Rebecca: $50
Melinda: $50 [This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $50.]
Patricia: $50
Joel: $10
Lori: $10
Joe: $5
Jean and David: $25 ["What a wonderful way to help families! Christel you are a wonderful advocate for your child, it is important to do anything and everything you can and the humbleness that you display is an inspiration to all mothers. We will be praying for Levi and your whole family, as well as the other families mentioned here in Lend4Health. God Bless!"]
Martha: $25
Jeanne: $17 [loan made from Brock's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $17.
Wendy: $25 [re-loan from Brock's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $25.
Diane: $20 [re-loan from Brock's repaid loan]
Will: $25 [re-loan from Brock's repaid loan]
Harold: $25
Karen M: $50
Noel: $25 [re-loan from Brock's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $25.
“NeverEatsKittens”: $5
Laura: $25
Karen F: $5
Barbara: $20
Danielle (Kosta’s mom): $5
Erin W: $10 ["from Erin W. on GFCF Yahoo group"]
John: $25 ["Thanks for doing this. My wife and I were glad to be able to chip in for Christel. Her advice and wisdom have helped my family a lot. I wish we could do more for her."]

UPDATES - UPDATES - UPDATES

April 2, 2009: This loan has been funded! The final amount of the loan is $758.

April 2, 2009: Promissory note sent to Christel for signature.

April 4, 2009: Check for $235 sent via mail to Doctor’s Data for stool test.

April 4, 2009: Check for $235 sent via mail to Dr. Jeremy Baptist’s office for urine test.

April 4, 2009: The remaining amount of the loan ($288) will be sent to the family for the B-12 shots. I will not disburse this check until the signed promissory note is received.

April 13, 2009: Signed promissory note received.

April 15, 2009: Loan of $288 sent to Christel via check. This loan will be repaid in one lump sum, due on April 15, 2010.

This loan has been funded and disbursed!

First Posted On: March 10, 2009

Name: Geoffrey

Age: 11 years old

Location: Scotland, United Kingdom

Diagnosis: Autism (low-functioning)

Loan Sought: $800 [~585 UK pounds]

Loan Needed For: One year’s worth of probiotics (48.75 UK pounds/bottle x 12 months)

Repayment Terms: One lump sum in April 2010

Other Notes: Geoffrey has had low-functioning autism since the age of 2 and was diagnosed at the age of 3. (Click HERE for a very detailed history.) His family has been doing biomedical treatments since then (for the past 8 years) and has “done everything we can afford,” including the gluten-free, casein-free (GFCF) diet, sugar-free/MSG-free diet, supplements, probiotics, enzymes, and several consults with doctors. They have an HBOT (hyperbaric oxygen treatment) chamber at their home (photo HERE). They have not tried chelation (heavy metals removal) yet because “he is not healthy enough” to start. The family would like to have the assistance of a gastroenterologist who specializes in autistic children, such as the Thoughtful House in Texas, but the cost to travel there plus continue and maintain treatment is prohibitive, and similar resources are not available in the UK. Geoffrey’s family is interested in trying stem cell therapy and have heard other families have had good results with this. A quote from Germany for stem cell therapy was $30,000 (USD).

Geoffrey’s family is planning to establish a charity in the UK that would help fund biomedical and stem cell treatments for families of children with autism. The cost required to establish such an organization would take away from the family’s ability to purchase needed items for Geoffrey. This Lend4Health loan for a year’s supply of Geoffrey’s probiotics is an equivalent cost to that which it will cost for the family to establish their charity. As such, this loan will “free up” the funds needed to start their charity.

Geoffrey’s dad, Angus, recently started a blog to track Geoffrey’s story. The blog also has a “Donate” button for anybody interested in helping the family pursue further treatments for Geoffrey. Click HERE for a link to their blog.

Special Note: Geoffrey is one of the “MMR 10” Access to Justice children in the UK.

Reference Provided By: Mark Hawkings

Geoffrey’s Community of Lenders:

Rachel (Julian’s mom): $20
Jeanne (Charlie’s mom): $25 ["Angus, thanks for all you do!"]
Petra: $13 ["$13 on the 13th!"] [Re-loaned from Julian's repaid loan.]
Jeanne (again): $5 ["Cinco De Linco Loans Facebook Group: 10 more members!"]
Petra: $5 ["Matching Jeanne's Cinco de Linco Facebook Group challenge."]
Petra: $6 ["To honor Potatey who is turning 6 on 3/18 and who was saved from autistic regression through biomed."]
Karen: $10
Petra: $10 [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan]
Jeanne (again): $8 [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan] Note: This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $8.
Jan: $52.13 [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan]
Petra (again): $10 [re-loan from Dazmen's repaid loan]
Petra (again): $90 ["Because right now, I can..."]
Tommie Lee: $300
Wiseclerk: $10 [loan made outside of ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been decreased by $10]
Ethan, Alex, & Megan: $5 [Loan made from Delia's repaid loan. Loan made outside of ChipIn, so ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $5.]
Jeanne (again): $5 [re-loaned from Delia's repaid loan; loan made outside of ChipIn so ChipIn amount has been reduced by $5]
Jenn (Jeremy’s mom): $5
Diane: $100 [loan made from Delia's repaid loan]
Bonnie: $5
Dana C: $10
Karen: $10
Jeanne (again): $10 ["In honor of the UK Autism Rally 2009! Go UK!"]
Cathleen: $85 [re-loaning a variety of repaid loans]

UPDATES - UPDATES - UPDATES

March 28, 2009: Geoffrey’s loan has been funded!

March 30, 2009: Promissory note sent to Geoffrey’s family for signature.

March 30, 2009: Signed promissory note received.

March 30, 2009: Loan of $800 (USD) sent to Geoffrey’s family via PayPal. This loan will be due to be repaid in one lump sum on April 15, 2010.

March 30, 2009: Note from Geoffrey’s parents: Thank you all for your contributions to Geoffrey. This is a big lift for us and we will be forever grateful to you all. It has really humbled us the support you have given us and in turn we have a bigger spring to our step. Unlike famous film awards I won’t go on but, just to say we’re forever indebted.

Thank you all

From Geoffrey’s parents
Angus and Lucy

April 16, 2009: Note from Angus: “I’m still waiting to hear from my lawyer/attorney vis a vis registration of my charity which will be trundling along quite shortly. Anyway shall drop you a line ASAP and thanks from us over here in SCOTLAND !! - Angus

This loan has been funded and disbursed!

First Posted On: February 28, 2009

Name: Jonathan (”Boogie”)

Age: 3 years old

Location: Florida

Diagnosis: Autism

Loan Sought: $475

Loan Needed For: Travel expenses to the next DAN! doctor appointment. (Dr. Levinson in Miami, Florida)

Repayment Terms: One lump sum in February 2010.

Other Notes: Jonathan’s mom, Kitty, writes: “Jonathan rocks, what else can a mom say! He’s a wonderful kid, we’ve been blessed to have him in our lives. He’s taught me so much and he’s only three! He was a typical regressive autistic child, he had some words and lost them at eighteen months. He’s always had gut issues, but since we’re doing SCD [the Specific Carbohydrate Diet] he’s improved unbelievably! We’re so happy that he’s doing physically better in many ways, but now we want him MENTALLY back! I miss my son! Since his diagnosis we’ve taken every thing we have and put it into him. We’re trying all aspects, biomedical, therapeutic, dietary. This loan would be to cover the cost of going to see our DAN! doctor. We’d like to actually see the doctor that is making such a difference in my child’s life.” (The family has done phone consults with Dr. Levinson so far.)

Special Notes: Jonathan was the very first loan recipient we had on Lend4Health, in June 2008 [click HERE]. That loan was used for his food sensitivity test. It was fully repaid (on time), so the family is eligible to request this second loan. Click HERE to listen to Jonathan’s mom, Kitty, interviewed about her experiences with autism on Blog Talk Radio from February 11, 2009.

Reference Provided By: No references needed since this is the family’s second loan, and they are in good standing on Lend4Health.

Jonathan’s Community of Lenders:

Jean: $75
Karen (again): $5 [Cinco de Linco Day loan]
Jeanne: $5 ["Happy Cinco de Linco Day!"]
Tori: $5 ["Cinco de Linco!!"]
Petra: $5 ["Happy Cinco de Linco"]
Renee: $5 [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Dana: $5 [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Summit to Sea: $25
Wendi and Matt: $5 “In honor of Mason.” [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Jeanne (again): $5 [Cinco de Linco! Made outside of ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Karen: $5 “Happy to be able to help!” [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Cathleen: $55 [Cinco de Linco!]
Cara: $5 [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Michelle: $10 [Cinco de Linco]
Carrie: $39 [Re-loaned from Julian's repaid loan!] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal has been reduced by $39.
Bonnie: $5
Petra: $6 ["To honor Potatey who is turning 6 on 3/18 and who was saved from autistic regression through biomed."]
Karen (again): $10
Petra: $10 [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan]
Jeanne (again): $8 [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan] Note: This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $8.
Will: $25 “All the best” [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan]
Jeanne (again): $10 [re-loan from Dazmen's repaid loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $10.
Anonymous: $50 ["For Jake"] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $50.
Wiseclerk: $10
Jeanne (again): $5 [loan to match $5 loan to Geoffrey, which was a re-loan from Delia's repaid loan]
Diane: $50 [loan made from Delia's repaid loan]
David: $10
Chloe: $22

UPDATES - UPDATES - UPDATES

March 27, 2009: Jonathan’s loan has been fully funded!

March 30, 2009: Promissory note sent to Jonathan’s family for signature.

April 20, 2009: Signed promissory note received.

April 21, 2009: Loan of $475 sent to family via PayPal. This loan will be due in one lump sum repayment on February 15, 2010.

This loan is being paid back!

First Posted On: February 19, 2009

Name: Tatum

Age: 8 years old

Diagnosis: Autism

Loan Sought: $670 [reduced on 3/23/09 from original amount of $1,500]

Loan Needed For: Four tests requested by Tatum’s DAN! [Defeat Autism Now!] doctors (Dr. Georgia Davis and Dr. David Adams through the Autism Solution Center in Cordova, Tennessee). These tests were done in November 2008 and now need to be repeated to check for changes. (1) ION Profile with Amino Acid 40 (Pediatric); (2) Neopterin/Biopterin Profile; (3) IgG4 Food Antibodies (90 Antigens); and (4) GI Effects - Stool.

UPDATE FROM TATUM’S MOM 3/23/09:

Things were not going well with Tatum’s biomedical intervention for the past 6 weeks. Lots of issues, but mainly boiled down to the fact that when we started the probiotics it exacerbated the gut issues rather than correcting them. We had a phone conference with Dr. Davis and followed up with the recommended supplements and the stool test to decide what should be the next step of treatment. So with this change in treatment plan, our amount needed has decreased significantly (since there is no point in re-running many of the tests at this time).

(1) Telephone call with Dr. Davis: $279.00
(2) Supplements $145.50 (Nu-Thera/Everyday Companion $27.00, Pro-DHA $36.00, Super nu-thera $74.50, Taurine $8.00)
(3) Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology X 2: $245.00

Repayment Terms: 18 months ($37.22/month)

Other Notes: Tatum’s mom, Heather, writes, “I knew from the beginning that something was very different about Tatum (As a pediatric OT [occupational therapist] I knew at the very least, we had some sensory integration issues). She has struggled with delayed language, poor articulation, stuttering, and behavior issues. At the age of 2 she earned the nickname “Stitch” after the Disney character (alien created for destruction) due to the fact that their speech patterns were similar and she was in non-stop motion destroying everything in her path. Despite all of this, I had a difficult time obtaining a diagnosis for her.

Our first diagnosis was ADHD at age 5. I thought something more was going on, so I pursued further testing, and she was diagnosed with PDD-NOS at age 6. She has since been diagnosed with Autism/Aspergers and found to have subclinical seizures.

She has a very high IQ but could not tolerate the school environment. By last spring she was completely withdrawn, and we lived life trying to recover from or brace ourselves for the next meltdown. This is why I decided to quit my full time job to care for her (I work every weekend to pay our bills). As a single parent, this was an extremely difficult decision. Even with the sacrifices, it is a decision that I do not regret. I saw a lot of her agitation and anxiety melt away, but we still had such a long way to go. Along with our daily home activities, she receives OT and speech therapy.

Over the last year, her articulation has improved from 4 year old level. She seeks out me or her sister to play with at home (a big change from the kid that spent hours lining magnetix up in her closet). Since beginning biomedical treatment, we have been able to decrease her prescription medicines, and she is beginning to play spontaneously with other kids.

These funds will allow us to continue to target the biomedical interventions for Tatum.”

Special Note: Heather has a blog called “Team Beautiful.” Read it HERE. She learned about Lend4Health through Charlie’s mom, Jeanne, who writes about Lend4Health frequently on her blog, “Charlie in Wonderland” (read it HERE). The two have also connected through the Autism Solution Center, where Tatum is a patient and where Jeanne volunteers.

Reference Provided By: Laura C. (of the Autism Solution Center), Ashley K., and Tom C.

Tatum’s Community of Lenders:

Penny (Logan’s mom): $25
Karen: $10
Cathleen: $150
Bonnie: $5
Patti: $5
Karen (again): $5 [Cinco de Linco Day loan]
Jeanne: $5 ["Happy Cinco de Linco Day!"]
Tori: $5 ["Cinco de Linco!!"]
Petra: $5 ["Happy Cinco de Linco"]
Renee: $5 [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Dana: $5 [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Summit to Sea: $25
Wendi and Matt: $5 “In honor of Mason.” [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Jeanne (again): $5 [Cinco de Linco! Made outside of ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Tiffany (Summer’s mom): $5 [Cinco de Linco Day loan]
Karen: $5 “Happy to be able to help!” [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Cara: $5 [Cinco de Linco loan made via new "Cinco de Linco Quick Loan" button. Not reflected in ChipIn, so ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5]
Ching: $5
Jason and Mary Beth: $10 ["In memory of Mason."]
Danielle (Kosta’s mom): $5 [Cinco de Linco]
Jeanne (again): $5 ["Cinco De Linco Loans Facebook Group: TEN more members!"]
Michelle: $10 [Cinco de Linco]
Michaela: $20 [Cinco de Linco]
Rachel (Julian’s mom): $5
Carson’s family: $10 ["We wish you all the best! Keep us posted on Tatum's progress! God bless. dory, kevin & carson"]
Amy: $10 ["Hope you reach your goal--from one mom of an older mild ASD child to another:)"]
Petra: $6 ["To honor Potatey who is turning 6 on 3/18 and who was saved from autistic regression through biomed."]
Namita: $5 [This loan is made from Jonathan's repaid loan. It was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $5.]
Jessica: $20 ["Just found your site via twitter, trying out lending for the first time!"]
Karen (again): $10
Sheri: $35 [Loan made from repaid loan to Sawyrr.]
Petra: $10 [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan]
Jeanne (again): $8 [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan] Note: This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal amount has been reduced by $8.
Will: $25 “How can someone not help such an adorable face. All the best and I am glad I could help out.” [re-loan from Sawyrr's repaid loan]
Karen (again): $5 [re-loan from Dazmen's loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5.
Romi: $25 [re-loan from Dazmen's loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal has been reduced by $25.
Cara: $10 [re-loan from Dazmen's loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal has been reduced by $10.
Chrissy: $5 [re-loan from Dazmen's loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal has been reduced by $5.
Michelle: $20 [re-loan from Dazmen's loan] This loan was made outside of ChipIn, so the ChipIn goal has been reduced by $20.
Tatum has received a $200 gift from her grandparents, made outside of Lend4Health. This $200 will not be included as part of the loan amount because it was a gift, and it will not be included in the site’s statistics.

UPDATES - UPDATES - UPDATES

March 23, 2009: Email from Heather:

Hi Tori, I enjoyed listening to you a couple of weeks ago! Thank you for all that you do! Things were not going well with Tatum’s biomedical intervention for the past 6 weeks. Lots of issues, but mainly boiled down to the fact that when we started the probiotics it exacerbated the gut issues rather than correcting them. We had a phone conference with Dr. Davis and followed up with the recommended supplements and the stool test to decided what should be the next step of treatment. So with this change in treatment plan, our amount needed has decreased significantly (since there is no point in re-running many of the tests at this time). My parents have also given me $200 towards her treatment. Is it okay to change the amount? I have been amazed at the kindness of others–you and this blog are amazing!

Telephone call $279.00
Supplements $145.50 (Nu-Thera/Everyday Companion $27.00, Pro-DHA $36.00, Super nu-thera $74.50, Taurine $8.00)
Doctor’s Data Comprehensive Stool Analysis with Parasitology X 2: $245.00
Total: $669.50

Let me know if this will work or if you need any further information! Thanks again for your help!

Heather

March 24, 2009: This loan has been funded! The final amount of the loan is $539. Heather has changed the repayment schedule to 12 months (instead of the original 18 months for the higher amount of the loan request).

March 24, 2009: Promissory note sent to Heather for signature.

March 24, 2009: Signed promissory note received.

March 24, 2009: Loan of $539 sent to Heather via PayPal. Repayments will begin May 1, 2009, and will be $44.92/month.

April 2, 2009: Note from Heather:

To Tori and to every one of our lenders,

Thank you so much for your generosity. We’ve had the necessary testing completed, have been able to speak with Tatum’s doctor, and are on our way with our revised plan.

As a single mom, I would have been saving for awhile in order to make this happen–thank you for helping to prevent this delay in Tatum’s treatment. We can’t wait to be on the other side of this and able to help others.

Thank you for your kindness,

Heather & Tatum

April 30, 2009: First repayment installment of $44.92 received; 1 day early.