May is known across the country as Lyme Awareness Month
Today is the last day in May. I will remove my two Lyme colored ribbons that have been out front all month long. If we didn't have a home association I would leave them up longer; however, I can't afford the fine that will come with it. They have served their short purpose as many have stopped and questioned my husband and I what the ribbons represented. We were both all to eager to share with them.
I would say that I feel I did accomplish quite a lot this month. I managed to get an article in our local paper about Lyme disease. Sue (fellow Lymie) and I along with my hubby set up the first two Saturdays this month a Lyme booth at our local Farmers Market. We gave out a tremendous amount of information and talked to a lot of people! It really was worth having to get up at 4:30 in the morning to be there by 6:30 and then to finish up by noon. I have to laugh though, both Saturdays I came home and had no problem taking a nap!!
I was really surprised to hear from several different folks about how recently they had visited the local Black Diamond Mines only to get home and find over 30 ticks on their dogs and one little boy had 3 on him! We were able to educate quite a few folks. It was exhausting for us yet so worth it! California is expecting this year to see its highest tick infestation due to the large amounts of rain we have received this year. This report made it to the front page of the Contra Costa Times!
Last weekend a Lyme Disease Rally took place at Capitol Hill...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wnpeTKa7wc&feature=related many folks attended the May Day Rally to bring awareness as to just how wrong the CDC and IDSA standards for Lyme disease treatment are.
Since this is the last day of May does it mean we are finished advocating for change? No way. Lyme patients advocate 365 days a year. We rarely miss a given opportunity to let someone out there know how devastating this disease really is. We strive to save others from suffering like we do.
As I have talked with quite a few folks the one thing that seems to really flabbergast folks is that those Lyme sufferers who have medical insurance it pretty much is of no use to them. Many are shocked to hear that a visit to a Lyme doctor can cost usually anywhere from $200.00 on up not to include medication and supplement costs. Now who can afford this? None of us can! So we cut short other areas of our life because we desperately need treatment and medications.
So as the month of May comes to an end. I make this plea to those who follow my blog...please help me in my quest in fighting against this disease. Please take time to learn what you can about Lyme Disease and educate those around you about it. Help us by writing letters to your congressmen/women letting them know how wrong the IDSA and CDC standards for Lyme Treatment are...
Lyme Disease has now surpassed Aids as one of the fastest growing epidemics in our Nation!! You or a loved one could be next.. I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't someone on your street, in your community who is in the fight for their life against this disease!
If you feel so inclined please consider making a donation to support Lyme Disease Awareness. Here are a few sites I recommend:
California Lyme Disease Association (CALDA)
International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS)
Turn The Corner Foundation
