04/24/2026
My name is Thomas Earl Hall, founder of Sacramento Valley Fever Survivors & Awareness (SVFSA).
I’m not just an advocate—I’m a Valley Fever survivor.
Back in 1997, I was diagnosed with disseminated Valley Fever. The infection spread throughout my body, and the most severe damage was in my spine. I had to undergo major spinal surgery, including fusion and the placement of Harrington rods, along with intensive treatment just to survive.
At the time, I didn’t fully understand what Valley Fever was. Like many people, I had never even heard of it until I was facing it head-on. That experience opened my eyes to how serious this disease really is—and how many people are affected without even knowing what they’re dealing with.
I’ve been living with the long-term effects ever since. For me, that includes taking antifungal medication (fluconazole) long-term to keep the infection under control. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all cure—treatment and duration can vary—but for some of us, this is something we manage for years.
The good news is that Valley Fever isn’t spread from person to person. People get it by breathing in fungal spores from the environment—often in dry, dusty areas.
Over the years, I’ve realized there’s not enough awareness, not enough education, and not enough support for people going through this. We need better information, better access to care, and continued research into improved treatments—and ultimately a cure.
That’s why I started SVFSA.
This isn’t just an organization to me. This is personal. It comes from real experience, real struggle, and a real commitment to help others who are going through what I went through.
I’m still building this step by step, and I’m learning as I go. But the mission is real—and I’m here for it.
If you or someone you know has been affected by Valley Fever, just know—you’re not alone.
