Bel Air Woman Battling Lyme Disease Gets Backup from Community

BEL AIR, MD — Chrissy Ferguson lost movement in parts of her body after a late-stage diagnosis of Lyme disease. As she relearns how to walk during a months-long rehabilitation process, the mother of four has the support of friends and even strangers behind her.

Donations and meals have been pouring in to the Ferguson family. A GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $12,700 as of Thursday, while a meal train has helped ensure the family's four children are fed.

Donate to Chrissy Ferguson via GoFundMe.

Husband Matt Ferguson said his wife is improving, one body part at a time.

"Chrissy took steps today, in fact quite a few steps only with the therapist holding her with a belt around her waist to catch her. Total rock star. She gets a little more movement in her face each day and now she is working on fine motor skills with hands and arms," Matt Ferguson shared on the GoFundMe page this week. "Long way to go but she is doing amazing!"

It is estimated she will be in rehabilitation for two months.

Lyme disease is transmitted through tick bites and can produce mild symptoms like a rash, fever, swollen lymph nodes or muscle aches. After more than 30 days, if it has gone undetected, the infection may cause dizziness, facial paralysis, shooting pains, brain and spinal cord swelling, short-term memory problems and other symptoms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 300,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year; health officials say most people recover with antibiotics, although some who are diagnosed in the late stages of the illness may have long-term joint damage.

A friend of the Fergusons who she started the GoFundMe page said she wanted to help the family focus on the physical battle rather than the economic battle that comes with a long-term medical issue.

The Fergusons are known and loved by many in Harford County, where they run Ferguson Golf Institute next to the Churchville Driving Range. The purpose of the GoFundMe page is to help provide support since the business is seasonal, and insurance only covers a portion of the cost that comes with overcoming a medical issue, according to the campaign. A meal train was also established to keep food on the table for the Ferguson children each day.

"There is no doubt that your support has continued to lift Chrissy and ease her mind so she can fully focus on her most important work: recovery," Matt Ferguson said after Christmas. "She is feeling your love and is just so grateful for the support!"

Image via GoFundMe.