American teen’s death devastating news for ill Kirsty
A young woman raising money for more life-changing treatment has received the devastating news a girl treated alongside her in America has died.
Kirsty Keep, 24, spent three months at the Sponaugle Wellness Institute in Florida earlier this year after generous family, friends and strangers donated more than £55,000, but had to return when her visa ran out.
Miss Keep, of Camp Way, Mangravet, who endures chronic pain, fatigue, vomiting and fitting, spent two weeks getting to know American teenager Anna Burgess and her family.
The pair had a genetic defect stopping their bodies getting rid of toxins and both believed their suffering was a result of contracting lyme disease. They were treated with antibiotics.
Miss Burgess, from Louisiana, had battled chronic illness for a decade. She died on Wednesday, November 30 – her 19th birthday.
Mum Theresa Keep said the news had hit her family hard.
She said: “We got close to them and we’re just devastated. They went through the same things we’ve been through with Kirsty, struggling to get a diagnosis, being told it’s all in their head.
“I just wish people would listen earlier, a mum knows her daughter. The bottom line is you’re struggling to keep them alive.”
Miss Keep is not receiving any NHS treatment but has borrowed a Rife machine, which claims to kill diseased cells using electro- magnetic energy, hoping to keep her symptoms at bay.
The family is trying to raise another £30,000 to £40,000 so Miss Keep can spend a further three months in America, which Dr Rick Sponaugle thinks will be long enough to cure her.
Last Friday, family and friends raised £705 with a raffle and ticket sales at Kirsty’s Kristmas Knees-up at the Royal British Legion Club in Park Wood.
Mrs Keep added: “I will be forever grateful for everyone who has donated money.”
Donate at tinyurl.com/KirstysFund