Benefit planned Friday for late stage Lyme disease victim

LITTLE FALLS - Family and friends of Elizabeth Rapovich Fadling are planning a spaghetti dinner benefit from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the VFW in Little Falls.

Cost for the meal is $6 for adults, $4 for children ages 3-10 and free for children 2 years and younger. Silent and live auctions are planned.

Several months ago Fadling was diagnosed with late stage Lyme disease. She also tested positive for the co-infectious bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, Mycoplasma and Babesia.

A Lyme specialist she consulted believes she contracted Lyme disease in Pennsylvania 25 years ago after being bitten by a tick and exhibiting typical Lyme symptoms when she was 5. Unfortunately, at that time not many had heard about Lyme disease and her doctor believes that most of her lifelong symptoms, including unexplained brain swelling, lifelong muscle/joint pain, extreme fatigue, dizziness, and more, were caused by this chronic, previously undiagnosed disease.

She has become increasingly ill throughout the four years of her marriage to her husband, Chris.

Because of the economy, Chris was laid off from his job in January of 2009. He did find a new job several months later, but the loss of regular income took a toll on their family's finances. She has many medical bills and one of the drugs she takes costs $1,600 a month. Insurance doesn't typically pay beyond the first three months of treatment of late stage Lyme disease. It already doesn't pay for many of her current drugs. Treatment for late stage Lyme disease is expected to last one to two years with lifelong maintenance.

The couple has a 4-year-old daughter, Paige.

A benefit fund for Elizabeth Rapovich Fadling has been set up at Mid-Minnesota Federal Credit Union, 13283 Isle Drive, Baxter, MN 56425.

Those who have questions or would like to donate an auction item may contact Jody Cox, benefit committee chair, at (320) 224-0336.

Late stage Lyme disease informational sheets will be handed out and awareness bracelets will be offered for sale at Friday's benefit.