(New Haven-WTNH, Jan. 19, 2005) _ We all know Lyme disease can be very debilitating, but for some people, the conditions worsen when the disease becomes chronic. That is the case for one Guilford man who battles the disease every day.

News Channel 8's Sonia Baghdady
When I met with Noah Roberts-Yule this morning he was too weak just to shake my hand. Symptoms that severe affect about ten to fifteen percent of Lyme disease patients according to some doctors. Other doctors don't even acknowledge chronic Lyme disease exists.

``I was really into playing sports my whole life. Not like I was a super athlete, but I really enjoyed it and lifting weights,'' says Noah Roberts-Yule.

At the start of his college career, Noah Roberts-Yule was a lean 180 pounds. Today, the 25-year-old struggles not only to break 150, but to get out of bed for a simple interview.

``I can't drive. I can't really stand for long without sitting, and so basically that means I can't work or go to school,'' says Noah.

At age 7 Noah contracted Lyme disease; 12 years later severe symptoms began to develop, including muscle and joint pain and fatigue.

``Just to watch him get sicker over time has been very difficult for me to see.''

Rich Walton has known Noah for nearly fifteen years. He's one of ten people who make up Friends for Noah, a group which meets every Wednesday night trying to come up with ways to raise money so Noah can get costly treatments. Treatments from a hyperbaric oxygen chamber, which Noah says helped him considerably last year.

``I could just feel the life kind of return to my body and oh, it was amazing.''

The chamber treatments are considered alternative therapy, and while Noah's doctor is not opposed to them, he says more studies need to be done.

``As any other treatment modalities, people can get better, get worse, or not change their symptoms. It's not more than placebo so far,'' says Neurologist Dr. Amiram Katz.

Noah longs for the relief he felt briefly last year. He's taken out a loan to have a $12,000 chamber inside his home and his ``Friends'' are determined to help him pay for it.

``I think it just reflects the value of our friendship and how close we've been over the years,'' says Walton.

``I just hope I can educate people as well and live a full life,'' says Noah.

Noah says he's overwhelmed by his friends' support. He says he's in touch with other people suffering the same symptoms who've been abandoned by their friends. He's also grateful his Guilford, Connecticut community has already stepped forward with donations to help him out.

Fundraiser for Noah
Alumni Basketball Game Benefit
January 22, 2005 7:00 PM
Guilford High School Gymnasium
For Tickets and Info
Call Lucy Krauchick - (203) 453 8068
or email [email protected]