Project Lyme

Lauryn Russell was bitten by a tick in the first grade and suffered years of severe symptoms and misdiagnoses, including chronic fatigue syndrome and leukemia. She had her tonsils removed and was scheduled to get a bone marrow transplant when tests revealed the true source of her issues — Lyme disease. Thanks to the tireless efforts of her mother, Jennifer, Lauryn received effective treatment, was able to achieve remission, and is now in college. Jennifer’s advocacy for her daughter inspired Illinois to pass the Lauryn Russell Lyme Disease Prevention and Protection Law in 2018, giving doctors immunity to treat Lyme outside CDC guidelines. It also led to the creation of the Illinois Lyme Association, and this year, Jennifer helped host the first Tickborne Disease Conference, gathering experts to share their knowledge and drive change. Read more from FarmWeekNow: https://lnkd.in/ei_UhcqT #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #illinois #chronicillness #lymewarrior #health #medicine #parenting #science #advocacy

IMPORTANT: The California Board of Pharmacy is trying to restrict access to treatments that have been life-changing for patients who are struggling with severe symptoms caused by Lyme disease, tick-borne infections, and various chronic conditions. Some of the medications that are in danger include NAD+, glutathione, and methylcobalamin (the active form of vitamin B12). This powerful trio has been generating some buzz among the Lyme community for helping to reduce and manage stubborn symptoms, including fatigue and brain fog. Dr. Pamela Davis, who practices in Los Angeles, explains that NAD+ can boost energy and mental clarity, glutathione assists with detoxing and bacteria die-off, and methylcobalamin supports nerve repair. “While each of these compounds is powerful on its own, the magic really happens when they work together,” Davis comments. For more information on these treatments and how to advocate for them to remain accessible to California patients, check out this article on LymeDisease.org: https://lnkd.in/gXuPck6h #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #glutathione #methylcobalamin #b12 #nad #b6 #california #chronicillness #alternativemedicine #herbalism #naturopathicmedicine #naturopathic #lymewarrior #medicine #science #advocacy

Want to do something meaningful to raise awareness about Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses? Not sure where to start? This webinar is for you! Join Project Lyme Board Chair Ali Moresco and Olivia Abrams, the CEO and Co-Founder of TiCK MiTT, as they discuss how to effectively advocate for change on the Federal, State, and local levels of government. Some of the topics will include: — Ways to engage with political representatives through letter writing, proclamation requests, and more — How to participate in the upcoming Center for Lyme Action Fly-In — How to advocate for change hyper-locally, such as planning 5k’s, social media fundraisers ...and more! Learn more or register now: https://lnkd.in/e9nmYGat #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #health #tickbite #chroniclyme #advocacy #lymewarrior #webinar #event #makeadifference

WARNING TO PARENTS: Lyme disease does not always present with a bull’s-eye rash (or any rash at all). An 11-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with lethargy, abdominal pain, headaches, a high fever, and a bunch of large red rashes that were growing and spreading. Her parents did not recall a tick bite, but after ruling out other possible conditions, including toxic erythema, her doctors tested her for Lyme disease, and the results were positive. The girl was treated with doxycycline, and her symptoms resolved. Her case emphasizes the importance of taking a thorough patient history and considering tick-borne diseases as a possible diagnosis for atypical rashes. Read the complete case study by Dove Medical Press: https://lnkd.in/e_iaHwq2 #projectlyme #lyme #lymedisease #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #health #medicine #tickbite #children #parenting #rash #atypicalrash #science #research #patientstories #lymeiseverywhere #globalhealthcrisis

According to a recent survey of our community, one of the most popular treatments for Lyme disease is ozone therapy. But what is it, how does it work, and how long does it take? Find the answers in our new video. For more resources on treatments and information about Lyme disease, check out our website: www.projectlyme.org Reel created by Project Lyme advocate Maria Johnson (IG: @mariaj_424). #projectlyme #lymedisease #lymediseaseawareness #lymewarrior #tickbornediseases #treatment #ozonetherapy #ozonetreatment #ozone #reels

In Europe, Lyme disease is most frequently caused by two common bacteria species — Borrelia afzelii and Borrelia garinii. Scientists recently analyzed the restriction-modification system (RMS) in these two strains, which protects the bacteria from foreign DNA. They identified four RMS genes for each species that help protect the bacteria from foreign DNA. Their findings could pave the way for future Lyme disease treatments that don’t require long-term antibiotics, such as targeted phage therapy. Check out the science published in the ‘International Journal of Molecular Studies’ via MDPI: https://lnkd.in/etr2bfsq #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #health #tickbite #medicine #chroniclyme #antibiotics #science #research #news

The tick-borne disease community was excited to see that a new Lyme disease test has received FDA approval. But what does that mean for patients? Will insurance cover the costs of the test — or even treatment if the test proves to be positive? These questions and more will be answered in tonight's webinar with tick-borne disease expert Dr. Joseph Burrascano. Interested in attending? There's still space available. Claim your spot now: https://lnkd.in/eEatwPcV Can’t make the event? Sign up, and we will send you a link to the full recording once it becomes available. #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #health #tickbite #medicine #chroniclyme #testing #antibodies #antibodytest #research #science #news #webinar #event

NEWS: Massachusetts Institute of Technology biologist Kevin Esvelt and researchers Joanna Buchthal and Sam Telford have created the first genetically modified mouse resistant to Lyme disease and capable of passing its immunity down to subsequent generations. The team recently visited Nantucket, an island in Massachusetts, to present their “Mice Against Ticks” proposal of releasing genetically engineered Lyme-resistant mice into the local ecosystem after an initial private island field trial. The goal is to prevent ticks from getting Lyme disease, break the cycle of infections, and reduce the number of cases on Nantucket, which has the highest incidence rate in the country. “No one has previously engineered a wild animal with the intention of releasing it into the environment and having the new trait stay there for many years," said Esvelt. Community involvement will be crucial as the team navigates regulatory hurdles and addresses local concerns about the project’s potential impact on Nantucket’s ecosystem. Read more from Nantucket Current: https://lnkd.in/eGzGpEvU #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #health #tickbite #medicine #nantucket #science #research

TICKS ON THE BEACH: A 24-year-old Irish woman showed up at the hospital with severe body aches, fatigue, headaches, and a fever. She had recently returned from a vacation to Spain and recalled getting a bug bite that left a rash after spending time at the beach. She tested positive for Lyme disease and recovered quickly after treatment with IV antibiotics. This case highlights that ticks can be found in a wide range of habitats, not just forested areas. Doctors warn that if black-legged ticks have adapted to beach environments, people can expect an increase in tick-borne disease cases. That’s why it’s vital to be aware of the danger when going outdoors and to take active steps to prevent tick bites. Read more on the Irish Independent: https://lnkd.in/esfz_Ykv #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #health #tickbite #medicine #brain #beach #science #research #patientstories

Kirstie Haysman, a mother from Watford, England, struggled with severe muscle and joint pain for over a decade before getting diagnosed with and beginning to treat her Lyme disease. She was devastated to learn that her 12-year-old daughter, Harriet, also has Lyme, which Kirstie believes to be congenital. “I felt very guilty that I had passed the disease onto her,” she said, but at least “we caught it early enough to deal with it, and she hasn't got years of misdiagnosis under her belt.” Kirstie says she was inspired to share her family’s story by actress, comedian, and writer Miranda Hart, who recently opened up about her experiences with Lyme disease. Read more from the Watford Observer: https://lnkd.in/e-AkpkAx #projectlyme #lyme #tickbornediseases #coinfections #lymediseaseawareness #health #tickbite #medicine #congenital #congenitallyme #brain #science #research #patientstories