Archives: vfs testimonials

I reached out to both David Filip and Sharon Filip. Sharon reassured me that the way I was feeling was more important than my titer. David and I really connected and he showed me where to find the diet plan on this site and answered every question that I had. I stayed strict on the diet and followed all the advice he had given me. Last Wednesday I went in for my 3rd set of tests and Dr. Ma called me yesterday with the results. My titer is now 1:4. He said I had peaked the previous month and now it’s going down. …if you have any questions or concerns, reach out to David and Sharon. We are so lucky to have these wonderful human beings on our side! Listen to what they say, cause they’re only here to help us. Thank you David and Sharon, from the bottom of my heart.

Amir Rahnavardi

I don’t know what I would have done without you guys and this site during this VF journey. I’ve definitely learned the importance of being educated regarding any new diagnosis, and advocating for oneself. Thank you for all you do!

Andra Wilson

Sharon – this site, the exhaustive research you have compiled, the testimonials from fellow sufferers, and the support are a daily part of my personal recovery. The very most important thing I have learned here is that every single VF journey is as individual as your fingerprint.

This site is, for me, as important as my daily dosage of the fluconazole. Thank you for your efforts on the behalf of me and everyone here.

Robin Goheen Fisher

Thank you, Sharon. I’ve been a long time supporter and so appreciate all the knowledge you and David have shared through the long course of my husband’s trip through this valley. He is in his 8th year post disseminated valley fever. I’ve learned to turn here first, to medical literature second and to any source, any article about the disease to learn more. We learn and share more here than people realize as we all bring our personal experiences to the table. Thank you again for all you do…Sharon and Dave, you have created the caring and respectful exchange of information by modeling compassion for us all.

Susan GM

I want to publicly thank you for ALL you have done for my son and my husband and I!!!! We truly appreciate you!!! You have helped us tremendously!! May you receive many great blessings!!!!

Sharon you truly are a Godsend!!!! Thank you sssooo much for sharing your knowledge!!!! I know God kept you around to help VF families….

Shay Deatherage-Billings

Shay I second that..Shes so helpful and kind to all. Shes our Angel

Debbie Scott

Add my thanks to that, she is the first one that has helped to make Any Sense out of this. Thank you.

Rita Schroeder Trout

I take this opportunity to say thanks to you for giving hope and information to so many. I am one of the recipients of that hope and information and will always be grateful to you and David…You shined a light during a very scary and dark time for me.

Sara Casanova

Misinformation hurts everyone and, apparently when it comes to VF, it’s rampant. (This is a new revelation for me since this is essentially my first experience with a chronic medical issue.) Shoot, with all of these faulty publications, it’s no wonder so many people experience such ill-informed medical treatment. The suffering this causes in so sad. I can’t thank you [Sharon] and David enough for your life-saving, anxiety-reducing dedication and kindness.

I don’t know what we’d do without you! I can’t even begin to express how helpful having this resource has been for me. I had never participated in a forum like this before and was a little hesitant at first (albeit also quite desperate to learn because I was so sick!). Sharon and David have unprecedented, research-based comprehensive knowledge of this disease as well as personal experience. Members truly care and are supportive. What a gift!

Sharon Filip I love that you and David are so up on all of the research and seek out fact-based information. I credit Sharon and David as my primary source of factual information learned – unfortunately out of necessity – three decades later.

Please, never ever underestimate all of the good that you both do for so many people. I’m certain that you have, directly and indirectly, saved many lives in addition to substantially impacting unnecessary suffering.

[While describing VFS to others:] David and Sharon’s expertise in all things VF is incredible and they provide many researched-based resources regarding food, etc. that go far and above the info doctors have the time (or knowledge) to provide.
Suzanne Rounsefell

I’m a 45 year old African American woman. I moved to Arizona in 2000 and subsequently suffered from the disseminated form of VF which left me unable to work for approximately 2 years. [Certain groups including African Americans have a higher likelihood for severe VF symptoms, although it can be chronic or deadly when it infects anyone.] In addition, I know friends and family who have contracted the disease and suffer as well. Eight years later I still battle with chronic bouts of VF symptoms which often leave me incapacitated for days and sometimes weeks. I discovered valleyfeversurvivor.com while researching the web several years ago and I’ve been an avid follower since. I know that I am not alone and I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you for providing a forum for VFS and for removing the veil of the VF epidemic.

Wendy B.

You are such a beautiful person inside and out!! Dave you are such a great man/son, all you do I really admire!! Thank you so much. My mom’s name was Sharon also, she was also a very beautiful pure heart. I miss her so much!! I’m glad she placed you two in my life.

Sharon, thank you so much, you are always there for me and thank you so much for the prayers! All you and Dave do is unspeakable!!! It’s that much!! I’m so happy you have such a strong, intelligent, loving, giving son!!! You overcame the impossible with him at your side. [Since then] he’s dedicated his life to you and all who have VF or don’t yet. You are an amazing woman Sharon!

Gina Potter

Before there was FB or even the message board, there was Sharon spending time with me on the phone and email. She gave me much needed support and guidance while caring for my brother. I didn’t feel so alone trying to deal with incompetent and uncaring doctors. It has been 9 years since my brother died from VF and I still have nightmares about the things he went through. Thank you Sharon and Dave for all you have done and with such love.

Kathy Blalock Terrell