Ear to the ground:

“Mom, all I want to do is sleep, eat and play Minecraft.”
– Disturbing signs that Christmas Break apathy is setting in a little early this year

Lyme Aid

It’s been a bumpy road the last few years for Durango-born singer songwriter Melissa Crabtree.

Now based out of Taos, Crabtree – who has suffered from various health issues over the last few years –  was recently dealt another blow. After months of suffering mysterious symptoms, it was discovered that the avid river guide and singer had Lyme disease.

Although down but definitely not out, fellow musicians and friends will be rallying around her with “Lyme Aid,” a benefit concert to help offset treatment costs. The concert is slated for Sun., Dec. 14, from 3 - 8 p.m. at the KTAOS Solar Center. For those who can’t make the journey south, a donation page has been set up on her website, www.melissacrabtree.com .

Called the “Great Imitator,” Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed as it sinisterly mimics other diseases by randomly attacking organs, bodily systems, joints, tendons and the nervous system. Lyme and its associated co-infections also seriously compromise cognitive function. Too often, by the time a person receives a diagnosis, the disease has gutted his or her life physically, emotionally and financially. Such is the case with Crabtree, whose condition is said to be getting more debilitating and exhausting every day.

However, organizers of the fundraiser remain optimistic. “I think it’s important to realize that this diagnosis points to a major turning point toward healing in Melissa’s life, because now we know what to focus on!” said friend Shangri Devi.

Although Crabtree has insurance, it does not cover all the various doctors, prescriptions and supplements, as well as travel costs associated with treatment.

Devi said perhaps the worst part of having Lyme disease is that, to the casual observer, sufferers may appear normal, and often are, although they are frequently beset with sudden and debilitating episodes. “I ask you all to deeply understand the randomness of this illness, which makes it so torturous,” she said. “There may be four hours in a day when a person feels normal to the point of good, then suddenly ‘wham.’”

To learn more about Lyme disease, check out the award-winning documentary called “Under Our Skin,” at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=2JgR_Jfbhv8 or listen to one of the foremost experts on the subject, Dr. Richard Horowitz, at: www.you tube.com/watch ?v=xYMezkigMWk