Lyme Disease Resource Center, Inc.
37 Bridge St. #171 Northampton, MA 01061
413-588-7388 [email protected]
September 14, 2024
From the desk of the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
Fall, my favorite time of year! Here in New England the leaves begin to turn fiery shades of red, orange, and yellow. The scent of apple pie spices, the leaves and fresh crisp air brings me joy even as the days grow short. The angle of the sun, the quality of the light are peaceful reminders that we need to take time to go outside and take time to relax. When outside, take basic precautions to protect yourself and enjoy nature safely!
In the Lyme world, there have been a number of developments and discoveries. See the “Lyme in the News” section below to learn more about DNA mapping of 47 strains of Lyme Disease, findings about Bartonella‘s link to psychosis in adults, understanding the Herx reaction, and Leaky Gut and Lyme Disease. In “Financial News & Support,” there’s reporting on Lyme federal funding increasing, info on how to fund seeing a Lyme-Literate Doctor, and don’t forget to check out NeedyMeds Webinars — a wealth of information on financial support for patients and their families.
On a more somber note, the passing of Pat Smith on August 17th 2024, was a major loss for tick borne disease advocacy and education. Pat served for 27+ years as the founder and leader of the Lyme Disease Association. Her commitment to the Lyme community was priceless. As the Lyme Disease Association winds down their organization, other Lyme non-profits will step in to continue programming and honoring Pat’s legacy. A link to her obituary is in the “News” section below.
As always, we are very grateful for our donors and supporters. We are honored to have received a new grant of $3,500 from the PICK Foundation in the memory of Kurt T. and Betsy Borowsky to fund our support, outreach and educational programming. This funding will allow us to improve our technology, services and ability to reach more clients! We thank Kurt R. Borowsky and the PICK Foundation for their generosity. As an all-volunteer organization offering free services, the support of our clients, volunteers and donors is essential. Please consider a one-time or recurring donation by using the Donate button below or sending a check to Lyme Disease Resource Center, PO Box 171 Northampton MA 01061.Warm Regards,
Maria Malaguti, Executive Director/Founder
From the President of the Board
Hello Friends,
As we bid summer farewell, and embrace the beauty of the autumn season, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the PICK Foundation for their generosity. It is our donors and supporters that allow us to continue to offer resources, support groups, educational programming, peer counseling, and holistic therapies to those affected by Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses at no charge.
In addition to our donors, it is important to extend appreciation to our volunteers. We are fortunate to have such talented and compassionate individuals who dedicate their time and energy in support of the LDRC’s mission. I encourage you to view the “Get Involved” section of our website, and spread the word, as we are currently searching for additional volunteers and board members to assist us in expanding our outreach and supportive efforts.
In the coming months, I look forward to working with the board of directors to develop a strategic plan that will encompass goals and objectives that represent the vision and hopes of the Lyme Disease Resource Center. This strategic map will guide our volunteers and board members in charting our course ahead. It will focus on our collective efforts on pursuing our mission “to be a peer guided, supportive and safe place for those living with Lyme Disease, and their care partners, sharing strategies and resources for living well.”
With Gratitude,
Alison Wisher, Board President
LDRC News and Updates
Practitioner Presentation Series
Check out the details for each of these events and register at: https://www.lymedrc.org/events
Introduction to Ravel Health with founders Jaime Intile and Kevin Williams
September 24 at 6pm
Register here.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) Presentation with Marjorie Veiga
October 1 at 6:30pm
Register here.
Support Groups
3rd Wednesdays: Chronic Illness Support and Wellness Group
September 18
4:30-6:00pm
Register here.
A facilitated discussion for those with Lyme or other chronic illnesses, to create connection, with the intention of moving towards wellness.
All are welcome including any persons supporting those with Lyme or chronic illness.
Monthly Saturday Lyme Support Group
October 5
1:00-2:30pm
Register here.
Strategies and resources for living well with tick-borne illness. All are welcome including any persons supporting those with Lyme or tick borne illness.
Lyme in the News:
Pat Smith, indefatigable Lyme advocate, has passed away
President of the Lyme Disease Association Inc, Patricia V. Smith passed away August 17, 2024. LymeDisease.org recognizes her many contributions: https://www.lymedisease.org/pat-smith-indefatigable-obit
Biologists map the DNA of 47 strains of Lyme disease
“A team led by CUNY Graduate Center biologists has produced a genetic analysis of Lyme disease bacteria that may pave the way for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the tick-borne ailment.” https://www.lymedisease.org/map-dna-lyme-disease-bacteria
Leaky Gut and Lyme Disease
“Dr. Christine Green, Invisible International’s Co-Director of Education, LymeDisease.org board member, and a Stanford-trained family medicine physician, shares her insights on JHR [Jarisch-Herxheimer Reaction], its mechanisms, and its clinical implications.” https://www.lymedisease.org/dr-chris-green-understanding-jhr
Investigating Bartonella Bacteria In Adults with Psychosis
“A new study has found that patients diagnosed with schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder are three times more likely to have Bartonella DNA in their blood than adults without these disorders.” https://www.globallymealliance.org/blog/investigating-bartonella-bacteria-in-adults-with-psychosis
Leaky Gut and Lyme Disease
“Learn about the connection between Lyme disease and leaky gut syndrome, how it affects your health, and effective treatment options.” https://www.globallymealliance.org/blog/leaky-gut-and-lyme-disease
Financial News & Support:
Senate Appropriations Committee approves Lyme funding increases
The Center for Lyme Action shares updates on the latest proposed funding increases for Lyme and tick-borne illnesses research and governmental support. https://www.lymedisease.org/senate-appropriations-committee-approves-lyme-funding-increases
NeedyMeds Webinars
“NeedyMeds is a 501(c)(3) national non-profit that connects people to programs that will help them afford their medications and other healthcare costs.” https://www.needymeds.org/webinar
Can’t Afford a Lyme-Literate Doctor, Now What?
“Struggling to afford a Lyme-literate doctor? Explore options like reimbursement, payment plans, and NP/PA care. Learn how to access affordable treatment and free resources for tick-borne diseases.” https://www.globallymealliance.org/blog/cant-afford-a-lyme-literate-doctor-now-what
Remove Ticks Safely
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9EBOV5GCRk&feature=youtu.be
Your donation helps us offer free programing and services.
Mail a check:
“Lyme Disease Resource Center, Inc.”
PO Box 171, Northampton, MA 01061
Give online: Donate
Get Involved:
The LDRC relies on volunteers to keep us going.
Find out more about how you can help here:
https://www.lymedrc.org/about/volunteer