Friends Help North Fork Fitness Trainer Battle Lyme Disease

MATTITUCK, NY — A personal fitness trainer who has worked for years to help others attain wellness is now battling a tremendous physical challenge as she fights Lyme disease.

A GoFundMe page, "Help Kerri Battle Lyme Disease," was created by Ramzi Butler-Kelly of Mattituck.

"For years Kerri Butler has striven to improve the health of her community and create a space for people from all backgrounds to feel supported on their journey to wellness," the page said. "Beyond being a personal trainer and an amazing mother, she had been a friend and a confidant to all that have passed through her gym doors."

Butler was the owner of Tola Body Fitness Center in Mattituck.

"Two years ago, Kerri unfortunately contracted Lyme disease," with Babesia, Lone star and multiple co-infections from a "super tick," the page said. "Due to her declining health and increasing medical costs she has been forced to close the doors to her gym and focus on healing. Her disease has now moved into her brain, affecting memory, eyesight and her nervous system. Her family is determined to raise the funds necessary for their superhero to heal."

One hundred percent of donations will go toward Kerri's medical costs and treatment regimes, the page said.

"Kerri is the most incredible human being and mother. She has always put everyone before her self and taken care of those in need. It is now her time to be taken care of and shown the same kindness she has shown to everyone in her life," the page said.

To donate, click here.

Photo courtesy GoFundMe.