Our Family’s Journey Through Mold Illness: Rising Stronger and Wiser

By Charles Neels, Founder and Coach at Heal and Rise Solutions

October 18, 2025

Welcome to Heal and Rise Solutions, where my mission as a coach is to guide you through holistic recovery using science-backed tools like biophotons, circadian rhythms, mitochondrial health, and more. If you’re here, you may be navigating chronic illness, environmental toxins, or the pursuit of wellness. Today, I’m sharing my family’s story of battling mold illness—a journey from despair to resilience. My hope is that it resonates, offering practical insights and inspiration for your own path to healing.

The Hidden Enemy: Discovering Mold’s Devastating Impact

Five years ago, my wife Esther, our young daughter Rudella, our son Jedediah, and I were blindsided by an invisible threat. Our home, tested and found to have extreme mold contamination—the worst an assessor had ever encountered—was silently poisoning us. We all developed mold illness and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), a condition similar to an autoimmune disorder, causing the body to overreact to everyday triggers.

Esther suffered the most. Her health plummeted: debilitating fatigue, chronic pain, anxiety, and a terrifying decline described by her doctor as her life slipping away “bit by bit.” Emergency room visits became routine, and daily tasks were insurmountable. Rudella and Jedediah struggled with restricted diets and low energy, while I balanced homeschooling, meal prep, and caregiving. Early on, we made a costly mistake: we consulted a naturopath who, while well-meaning, prescribed a treatment she was inexperienced in administering. Performed improperly, it triggered an explosion of negative health effects, significantly worsening Esther’s condition. This taught us a vital lesson: always ensure your healthcare provider is transparent about their experience and has a proven track record with the treatments they recommend.

We eventually found hope through experts like Dr. Bruce Hoffman, whose holistic approach—integrating biophotons, mitochondrial health, and environmental factors—offered clarity. But our monthly costs were staggering: peak monthly expenses reached $35,000–$40,000, with Esther’s medications and enzymes alone hitting $20,000 monthly. In May 2023, we launched a GoFundMe, “A Call for Help!” It was more than a fundraiser; it was a lifeline to community. We shared our reality: abandoning our mold-infested home, selling it, and facing mounting debt with the fear of irreversible damage if treatment stalled.

Turning Points: From Survival to Steps Forward

Progress came in waves. Last summer, IV treatments in Calgary significantly improved Esther’s energy and symptoms. We only stopped when the clinic closed—our doctor there was exceptional, always addressing our questions, but his practice shut down, forcing us to pivot.

Our winter in Mexico was transformative. Abundant sunlight, fresh fish, and nutrient-dense foods like red meats aligned with the principles I teach in my coaching, such as harnessing natural light for circadian rhythm reset and mitochondrial health. Esther’s vitality returned, Rudella and Jedediah played with renewed energy, and I found restful sleep. This echoed lessons from Dr. Jack Kruse: early morning sunlight exposure is critical for melatonin production and recovery. We also adopted elements of the GAPS protocol, inspired by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, which emphasized gut health through nutrient-dense foods like red meats and fish, significantly stabilizing our family’s health.

Selling our property this summer eased financial strain, covering treatments without constant worry. While we no longer need urgent donations, the emotional support from our community remains invaluable. I’ve taken on contract work when possible, but full-time jobs aren’t feasible yet—I’m needed for homeschooling Rudella and Jedediah and supporting Esther, who’s slowly taking on more at home but must pace herself to avoid setbacks.

Recently, we connected with a new doctor who thoroughly reviewed our history and provided a clear treatment plan. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint, but we’re heading back to Mexico this winter, praying another season of sun and simplicity accelerates our healing.

Lessons Learned: What This Taught Me as a Coach and Survivor

Mold illness is a silent epidemic, affecting millions, often undetected. Our journey has shaped my coaching at Heal and Rise Solutions, and I’ve distilled key lessons for anyone facing similar challenges:

- Vet Your Providers Carefully: Our early experience with an inexperienced naturopath worsened Esther’s condition. Always verify a practitioner’s expertise and transparency—ask for their track record with specific treatments to avoid costly setbacks.

- Trust Your Body and Environment: Persistent symptoms like fatigue or brain fog aren’t “just stress.” Test your home for toxins and pursue holistic diagnostics, including biophoton assessments and mitochondrial function checks.

- Leverage Nature’s Power: Sunlight, seasonal eating, and grounding (like barefoot walks) are science-backed. Our Mexico experience showed how red and near-infrared light from the sun reduces inflammation and boosts energy, much like red light therapy for winter months.

- Nourish Intentionally: Nutrient-dense foods like red meats and fish, paired with protocols like GAPS, were game-changers for us, supporting gut health and overall recovery.

- Seek Community and Expertise: Emotional support—prayers, encouragement—fuels physical healing. Structured guidance, like Dr. Hoffman’s 7 Stages to Health or tailored coaching, is critical. Don’t navigate alone.

This journey isn’t just ours; it’s a roadmap for anyone battling environmental illness. I’ve channeled our challenges into purpose, offering consultations on mold recovery, financial mindfulness (yes, even Bitcoin for long-term stability), and holistic wellness.

Ready to Heal and Rise?

If our story sparks hope or questions—about mold testing, sunlight protocols, the GAPS diet, or choosing the right healthcare provider—reach out. As your coach, I’m here to provide personalized strategies, just as I’ve done for my family. Reach out to book a session, explore resources, or join our email list for more insights and stories.

Thank you for reading. Healing is possible, one intentional step at a time. Let’s rise together.

With gratitude and hope,

Charles Neels