Doctors blamed her symptoms on motherhood. She actually had mold illness.

This week, USA Today published the story of Kate Ames – a 35-year-old Arizona mother who spent years dismissed by doctors before discovering that hidden mold in her home was behind years of fatigue, rashes, ear pain, and brain fog. You can read the full article here.

Kate first came to RealTime Labs years before this story made national news – searching for answers when her symptoms were still going unexplained. We’ve had the privilege of being part of her journey, and it means a lot to see her story reaching people who may be going through the same thing.

In Kate’s own words

“Thank you RealTime Labs for giving us an easy way to test and get answers so many of us are waiting years for.”

– Kate Ames, RealTime Labs customer

Why Kate’s story matters – and why it’s not rare

The USA Today piece highlights something we hear all the time: mold illness is under diagnosed, symptoms are frequently dismissed, and women in particular are told their exhaustion or pain is just part of life.

An estimated 47% of U.S. homes have mold or dampness – yet most people have no idea their environment could be driving chronic symptoms. As the article notes, people in the same household can have vastly different reactions to mold exposure based on their genetics and existing toxic load.

Testing gives people data. Data gives people answers. And answers – as Kate now knows – can change everything. If you’ve been brushing off symptoms or feel like you’re not being heard, the same test Kate used is a place to start.