Fort Myers Florida Weekly

Mold is not the fungi you want in your home, workplace or car. Unfortunately, due to the heat and humidity, mold thrives in Florida, earning the rank of being the moldiest state in the nation. The FDP Mold Remediation survey gave Florida a score of 38.76 out of 40, based on factors such as temperature, annual rainfall and the average age of homes. The spread of mold continues to grow after recent storms and poses risks not only to property but also to human health.

From this, the Christian Medical Ministries has begun offering specialized support for individuals in Southwest Florida affected by chronic pain and mold illness, also known as Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. The organization expressed its dedication to providing comprehensive and free healthcare services to uninsured and low-income individuals through its clinic expansion, which now operates across three locations in Lee and Collier counties.

"We are helping people feel dramatically better," said Dr. Alan Gruning. "Everything is free from treatment and supplements. Through detoxing, you will feel better quickly."

Gruning is the medical and executive director of the clinic and provides whole-body care through his private practices at the International Center for Health and Wellness, all while avoiding opioid prescriptions.

"This is the only free medical clinic in the States doing this," Gruning said. "Biotoxin illness doesn't affect everyone since it is genetic. It is said that about one in four Americans are susceptible. Part of the treatment focuses on detoxing and the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to help heal the brain from the poisonous damage. Since our hyperbaric oxygen therapy is mobile, we do everything on the spot."

Based on the 2021 population census data, mold-related illnesses could impact approximately 262,500 individuals out of an estimated 1.17 million residents in Lee and Collier counties.

Gruning explained that biotoxin illness is triggered by exposure to mold, mainly through genetic receptors. An estimated 24% of Americans are prone to its effects, which are caused by organisms and bacteria present in mold. This condition can lead to chronic inflammation impairing the digestive system and hormones and cause other vulnerable side effects on the brain, similar to symptoms of dementia.

Following Hurricane Ian, the incidence of this illness has risen locally due to the water damage in homes and the region's inherently tropical climate.

Gruning has collaborated with other specialists to provide services for individuals and families affected by CIRS and biotoxin illness through personalized mold detection, detoxification treatments and specialized protocols for no out-of-pocket cost.

The doctor explained that treatment may require 40 sessions and that hyperbaric oxygen therapy delivers pressurized oxygen to the tissues and brain, ultimately aiding in damage repair.

The group's administrative and development director, Anna Hogan, added, "It is a soft camber, and the pressure feels like you are sitting in a plane. It is low-risk and goes up to 1.3 atmospheres. Each treatment is about an hour. It has port holes and a recliner chair. Not many places have this kind of therapy available, let alone for free. The average cost anywhere else could be around $200 per hour."

"I had CIRS, and it nearly killed me," said Dr. Daryl Gioffre, a nutritionist and board-certified chiropractor and anti-inflammation expert. "Your brain is on fire. I was 40 pounds lighter than I am now, and I looked like I was dying. It was depressing and emotional, and I thought I wouldn't see my son grow up. I spent thousands of dollars trying to find an answer. Now I have lasered in on it and want to spread hope to others."

Dr. Gioffre continued, "Chromosome Six cannot create antibodies against the toxins. But through binders like Welchol and natural vitamins like fish oil, the toxins grip onto the supplements, and you digest and release them. Depending on the length of exposure, you can begin seeing improvement within three to four months as your immune system strengthens."

"Hundreds of thousands of people have mold illness and don't know about it," Gruning said. "It causes toxic damage to the brain. After the hurricane, the number of people here locally has grown from water damage to their homes and office buildings. Florida is the mold capital in the States and mold illness can affect anyone of any age. It can start with brain fog, fatigue, and daily headaches."

The health team mentioned that the biggest challenge is persuading individuals with mold-related illnesses to vacate their homes if it has unrepairable mold ratios. They stressed that over 30 types of organisms within the mold could spread to furniture and vehicles if untreated. They also noted that the clinic provides assistance with code enforcement for those who rent.

The healthcare clinic stated that almost 75% of buildings in Southwest Florida suffer from water damage, including undetected mold.

"There is white mold that you can't always see. It is a hidden source on walls and cabinets, and you can't always tell how big of an area it is. We use an infrared camera to detect the mold; it will show the heat and moisture on walls that could be growing fungus. Just like us, the buildings begin to sweat in hot and wet situations," explained Max McCord of Stone Crest Team Biotoxin and Mold Assessments.

The Christian Medical Ministries, part of the Florida Department of Health's Volunteer Healthcare Provider program and functioning as a Sovereign Immunity Clinic, provides free holistic treatments aimed to address the root causes of chronic pain and illnesses caused by mold. Since beginning this project in August, Christian Medical Ministries has expanded the service into Collier County through a partnership with the Naples Alliance Church.

"We are happy to be here and help heal those in our community," said Pastor Jasen Wickert of the Naples Alliance Church.

Gruning remarked, "The opening of our new clinic site at Naples Alliance Church marks a significant milestone in our efforts to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare to our community, now including Collier County. We are dedicated to ensuring that every individual, regardless of their financial situation, has access to the care they need."

Christian Medical Ministries is a nonprofit serving individuals in Southwest Florida. Care is available at no cost to uninsured patients or those on Medicare, Medicaid, or with the United States Department of Veteran's Affairs coverage at or below 300% of the federal poverty level. Healthcare aid is provided at three locations: Grace Church, the Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic in Fort Myers and recently the Naples Alliance Church.

Hogan stated, "This new clinic site will allow us to serve even more individuals in Southwest Florida who are suffering from mold illness and chronic pain."

The completed list of symptoms and information on treatment and mold-related illnesses is available at christianmedicalministries.org/services/

"We are on the hunt for a location in Cape Coral next," said Gruning. "We are also actively seeking more volunteers with medical experience." ¦

In the KNOW

Christian Medical Ministries offering free mold illness healthcare

· Where: Grace Church and the Southwest Florida Free Pain Clinic in Fort Myers and the Naples Alliance Church

· Price: Free, for any age