Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

phone-number(703) 822-5003

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Washington, DC

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Washington, DC for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

phone-number(703) 822-5003
Site Logo

Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment Washington, DC

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Washington, DC.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Washington, DC
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Washington, DC

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Washington, DC

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Washington, DC

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

phone-number(703) 822-5003

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
Mold Poisoning Symtoms Washington, DC

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Washington, DC tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

Book An Appointment

Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Washington, DC

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Washington, DC.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Washington, DC

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

CIRS Treatment Washington, DC

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment Washington, DC

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment Washington, DC

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Washington, DC

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

Mold Poisoning Symtoms Washington, DC

Ask Us Anything

Book An Appointment phone-number(703) 822-5003

Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Washington, DC
Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Washington, DC

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Washington, DC

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

phone-number(703) 822-5003

Appointment Form

Latest News Near Washington, DC

Stitt orders OK Guard to Washington, D.C.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.More tha...

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

More than 160 members of the Oklahoma National Guard deployed to Washington, D.C., last week, just months after Gov. Kevin Stitt indicated his reluctance to send guardsmen out of state.The voluntary, 90-day mission is part of President Donald Trump’s Safe and Beautiful initiative to increase law enforcement presence in the nation’s capital. Critics have argued the executive order amo...

Premium Content is available to subscribers only. Please login here to access content or go here to purchase a subscription.

Winooski School District Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria testifies in Washington, D.C. on detainment

WINOOSKI, Vt. —Winooski School District Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria was in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to testify on his detention earlier this year while reentering the United States.Chavarria joined others from across the country to testify in a public forum over what are being called unconstitutional detentions by Department of Homeland Security agents. He was invited by Vermont Sen. Peter Welch to be a part of a panel of American citizens who have been detained by immigration authorities.Th...

WINOOSKI, Vt. —

Winooski School District Superintendent Wilmer Chavarria was in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday to testify on his detention earlier this year while reentering the United States.

Chavarria joined others from across the country to testify in a public forum over what are being called unconstitutional detentions by Department of Homeland Security agents. He was invited by Vermont Sen. Peter Welch to be a part of a panel of American citizens who have been detained by immigration authorities.

The head of the Winooski School District was held for several hours at an airport in Houston, Texas by U.S. Customs and Border Protection back in July while returning from a visit to see family in Nicaragua.

A United States citizen, Chavarria was born at a refugee camp in Nicaragua, and several members of his family recently self-deported back to the country after living in the United States.

He told Winooski School Board members that he was separated from his husband and "subjected to abusive interrogation" as well as "treated in a manner that is deeply disturbing and unacceptable," according to a letter about the incident.

In their email, the board said Chavarria was held in custody for more than five hours.

“You feel like you’ve been abducted by a gang of aggressive, violent people who are trying to manipulate you and who are lying to you, and while you are being abducted, you know that these people are capable of doing anything to you because they don’t care," said Chavarria in an interview with NBC5.

Related video: Chavarria speaks about "bizarre" interrogation

Chavarria is one of five people called to Capitol Hill by Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) a ranking member of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, as well as U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) a ranking member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. He is also the only person from Vermont and the only person from the East Coast to be called for testimony.

The public forum began at 3 p.m. at the Hart Senate Office Building. Chavarria said during his testimony that he is scared to leave the country again.

"I do not feel like I am free to visit my mother without being afraid that I will be detained or disappeared at any time for any reason," Chavarria said. "I don't think any American should be deprived of the right to visit their mother."

Chavarria's testimony comes as his district is receiving hateful and threatening messages related to a video of students raising a Somali flag earlier this week.

A Winooski second-grade student and his mother were recently detained over the Thanksgiving break by federal agents.

Cory Booker Marries Alexis Lewis In Newark And Washington DC After A Whirlwind Love Story

A Beautiful Wedding Rooted In Love And Two Meaningful CitiesFrens, Senator Cory Booker is officially a married man, and this love story is warming my whole spirit.Booker and Alexis Lewis tied the knot in Newark and Washington, DC, honoring the places that shaped both of their lives.The couple exchanged vows in a private interfaith ceremony in DC, blessed by a pastor and a rabbi, then made everything legal in Newark on Monday with their parents as witnesses.Booke...

A Beautiful Wedding Rooted In Love And Two Meaningful Cities

Frens, Senator Cory Booker is officially a married man, and this love story is warming my whole spirit.

Booker and Alexis Lewis tied the knot in Newark and Washington, DC, honoring the places that shaped both of their lives.

The couple exchanged vows in a private interfaith ceremony in DC, blessed by a pastor and a rabbi, then made everything legal in Newark on Monday with their parents as witnesses.

Booker shared photos online and said his heart was “overflowing with gratitude” as they said “I do” in two cities that hold deep personal meaning.

A Blind Date That Turned Into A Five Hour Fairytale

Their romance started with a blind date in May 2024 arranged by a matchmaking friend.

Lewis was living in Los Angeles and visiting family in DC when she agreed to meet Booker.

What should have been a quick hello turned into more than five hours of conversation and connection.

Booker even convinced her to change her flight so they could go on a second date the next night.

Date number two took place in Newark with dinner at a tapas restaurant, a trip to see the Broadway musical “Suffs,” and a first kiss outside the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

If that isn’t romcom energy, I don’t know what is.

From Moving In To A Hawaiian Fairytale Proposal

The couple moved in together this past April and fostered a shepherd mix named Cooke.

Then came the proposal that could make even the coldest heart melt.

Booker proposed in Kauai as a troupe of native musicians performed Lewis’s favorite song, “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey.

When she told the musicians she dreamed of having that song at her wedding, Booker smiled and said, “This is the song that’s playing at your proposal,” before getting down on one knee.

A cinematic moment for sure.

Celebrating Love In Newark And DC

Their DC ceremony was intimate and filled with family, but it was Newark where they officially became husband and wife at the US District Court.

After the paperwork was signed, the newlyweds celebrated with Italian pastries and a vegan chocolate chip cookie dough cake for Booker’s plant-based lifestyle.

Lewis said she had spent years unsure if marriage was in the cards for her, but meeting Booker changed her life.

She and her girlfriends always say, “Change your flight, change your life,” and in her case, it came true in the sweetest way.

A New Chapter Begins

Booker, once named one of Town and Country’s “Top 40 Bachelors,” has dated high-profile women in the past, including Rosario Dawson and poet Cleo Wade.

Lewis is a DC native with degrees from NYU and Cornell, and she now works as a director of investments at Brasa Capital Management.

Two cities. Two ceremonies. One beautiful beginning.

Are you excited for the newlyweds? Drop down in the comments and let me know, Frens.

Never miss a scoop — sign up for IceCreamConvos.com’s and stay in the know with the hottest celebrity news, jaw-dropping headlines, and stories everyone will be talking about.

Lock In With Ice Cream Convos:

Sen Cory Booker marries fiancé Alexis Lewis in intimate DC ceremony

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., announced that he married his fiancé Alexis Lewis on Saturday, sharing photos of himself and his newlywed wife on social media.Booker and Lewis wed in a private ceremony in Washington, D.C., less than three months after announcing their engagement on Instagram.On Sunday, Booker posted that they were "overflowing with gratitude," writing: "We said ‘I do’ in two places that shaped us—Cory’s beloved Newark and Alexis’s hometown of Washington, D.C.—...

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., announced that he married his fiancé Alexis Lewis on Saturday, sharing photos of himself and his newlywed wife on social media.

Booker and Lewis wed in a private ceremony in Washington, D.C., less than three months after announcing their engagement on Instagram.

On Sunday, Booker posted that they were "overflowing with gratitude," writing: "We said ‘I do’ in two places that shaped us—Cory’s beloved Newark and Alexis’s hometown of Washington, D.C.—first at the courthouse, then with our families. Hearts full and so grateful."

The couple married in an interfaith ceremony — Booker is Christian, and Lewis is Jewish — at an undisclosed venue, The New York Times reported. The couple had legally wed Monday at the federal courthouse in Newark with only their parents present.

The couple told the Times they met through a mutual friend known for matchmaking in May 2024. Their blind date in Washington lasted more than five hours. When Booker asked for a second date the next night, Lewis said she had to catch a flight for a work trip to Newark. Booker persuaded her to delay her flight so they could meet again in Newark, where he was also headed.

Booker later described that second date as "even more magical," saying they ate at a tapas restaurant before he showed her places in the city that shaped his life. The night ended with their first kiss outside the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Lewis is a director of investments at Brasa Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment firm, and previously worked for former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. She holds a bachelor’s degree from NYU and an MBA from Cornell.

"My girlfriends and I say, 'Change your flight, change your life,' because it’s exactly what happened," Lewis told the outlet. "After so many years on my own, I’m not entirely sure I believed I would get married. But now, we’ve found each other at this stage of our lives, after epic personal journeys. And that deserves celebration."

Trump freezes Afghan visas after DC shooting — as he quietly eyes land strikes in Venezuela

The Trump administration is taking an even firmer stance on immigration in the wake of a fatal shooting near the White House Wednesday, which took the life of one National Guard member and injured another.Additionally, the White House signaled it may ramp up its operations targeting alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean, following months of strikes against vessels accused of trafficking drugs into the U.S.Here’s what happened this week.Washington shootingThe Trump administration is movin...

The Trump administration is taking an even firmer stance on immigration in the wake of a fatal shooting near the White House Wednesday, which took the life of one National Guard member and injured another.

Additionally, the White House signaled it may ramp up its operations targeting alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean, following months of strikes against vessels accused of trafficking drugs into the U.S.

Here’s what happened this week.

Washington shooting

The Trump administration is moving to impose more limitations on migrants attempting to enter the U.S., after an Afghan national was identified as the suspect in Wednesday’s deadly shooting.

Law enforcement officials identified the shooting suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, who entered the U.S. legally in 2021 under the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome program, which aimed to facilitate resettling Afghan refugees in the U.S.

The Department of State has paused all U.S. visas for individuals traveling on the State Department and Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted to X Friday.

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died Thursday due to injuries stemming from Wednesday’s shooting. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition as of Friday, per U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.

As a result of the shooting, Trump said in a social media post Thursday that he would permanently pause migration from "all Third World Countries."

Likewise, the head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said Thursday that in accordance with orders from Trump, he has "directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern."

The White House did not provide additional information regarding which countries would be impacted, and referred Fox News Digital to Trump’s social media post.

Venezuela operations

Trump also signaled that his administration would start conducting land operations as it ramps up its operations targeting alleged drug traffickers in the Caribbean.

Since September, the Trump administration has conducted more than 20 strikes against alleged drug boats in Latin American waters, and has beefed up its military presence in the Caribbean as part of Trump’s effort to crack down on the influx of drugs into the U.S.

"You probably noticed that now people aren't wanting to be delivering by sea, and we'll be starting to stop them by land also," Trump said Thursday. "The land is easier, but that's going to start very soon."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital regarding whether the White House was considering land strikes or deploying U.S. troops within Venezuela. However, Trump has previously refused to rule out dispatching U.S. ground troops into Venezuela.

The New York Times reported Friday that Trump spoke with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in the past week.

Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
CIRS Treatment Washington, DC

Service Areas

Read More