A teenager in Ohio faced a mysterious health crisis for two years before the cause was discovered lurking in her home.
After contracting Covid in 2020 at the age of 14, Ava Chambers’ health rapidly declined.
A few months later, she was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects one in every 200 people, causing inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
The teen’s hair began to thin and fall out in large chunks, and she became so exhausted and dizzy that she needed to use a cane to walk.
Doctors quickly attributed Ava’s symptoms to stress and mental health issues.
Her mother, Anna, shared, “No one had answers. Her colon was healing, her blood work looked normal, and we were repeatedly told it was all in her head.
“Ava was suffering so much, and no one was listening. I knew something was seriously wrong, and I wasn’t going to stop until I figured out what it was.”
Two years after Ava’s health crisis began, blood and urine tests finally revealed the cause—toxins from mold growing in the family’s basement had made her sick.
Ava Chambers, shown here, contracted Covid at the age of 14. Shortly afterward, her health quickly began to decline.
Ava, shown here in the hospital, was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and became so weak that she needed a cane to walk.
Additional tests of the family’s home revealed that mold from the basement was venting into Ava’s room, causing her health to worsen while the rest of the family remained unaffected.
After removing the mold from their home, Anna described her now 19-year-old daughter’s recovery as “like watching a miracle unfold.”
“It wasn’t an easy journey, and Ava is still healing, but she’s doing so much better now,” she added.
Black mold, scientifically known as Stachybotrys chartarum, thrives in damp, warm environments such as basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas affected by leaks or water damage.
It produces naturally occurring compounds called mycotoxins, which can build up in the body and contribute to a range of health problems.
In Ava’s case, the mycotoxins likely caused damage to her intestinal lining, leading to inflammatory conditions like ulcerative colitis.
Mycotoxins can also weaken the immune system, irritate the lungs, and cross the blood-brain barrier, causing neurological issues such as headaches, dizziness, and seizures.
Ava also tested positive for a mutation of her HLA-DR gene, which affects about one in four Americans.
This gene is thought to interfere with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins, compromising the immune system.
It has also been linked to increased susceptibility to mold-related health issues. In fact, 90% of patients being treated for mold-related injuries test positive for this HLA gene mutation.
Ava was also diagnosed with Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr virus, a common illness that remains dormant in most people but can be reactivated by certain exposures, such as mold.
Ulcerative colitis can cause symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and weight loss.
Anna stated that the family “firmly believes mold was the root cause” of Ava’s ulcerative colitis, and the teen has since stopped taking medications for the condition.
Ava is now managing her health with a “tailored protocol and detoxification plan.”
The image above displays six types of mold commonly found in homes. While blue and pink molds are generally considered safe, the other types can trigger allergy-like symptoms. Black mold is regarded as the most hazardous.
Ava, pictured here with her mother, now manages her condition with a personalized detoxification plan. Her mother shared, “She’s cautious, and she understands that living a clean, non-toxic lifestyle is a key part of her ongoing healing.”
While the specifics of her plan remain unclear, antifungal medications, nasal sprays, and home remedies like halotherapy (breathing in salty air) and activated charcoal are believed to help manage her symptoms.
Anna added, “[Ava] knows she has the genetics that make detoxing difficult, but now she also has the knowledge and skills to manage her health. She’s cautious, and she understands that living a clean, non-toxic lifestyle is a critical part of her recovery.”
Anna now encourages parents and caregivers to trust their instincts if their child is facing an unexplained illness and not receiving answers from doctors.
She said, “Our world is full of toxins that can wreak havoc on the body. I believe people are starting to wake up to this reality, but there’s still so much more to learn. Stories like ours can help raise awareness and bring about the changes in medicine that are desperately needed.”
