Lyme Disease Resource Center, Inc.
37 Bridge St. #171 Northampton, MA 01061
413-588-7388 [email protected]
December 21, 2023
From the desk of the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
I welcome you to the holiday season, a time that can be challenging for those of us managing an acute or chronic illness. Yet there are ways to find peace and moments of joy even in the most difficult situations. Please read on to find a brief review of 2023 at the LDRC and some holiday tips.
Introducing New Board Members
On October 22, 2023 we celebrated 10 years of service to the Lyme community. During the past year, talented new board members and volunteers joined our organization. Former volunteers, Nellie Wilson and Krista Nugent began their terms in the spring and were soon joined by Rhode Island resident Alison Wisher. The new members bring fresh ideas, dedication, and passion to support our mission.
Gratitude for Dr. J. Patrick O’Grady’s Continuing Service
Our organization has also been fortunate to have the guidance of board secretary and treasurer Dr. J. Patrick O’Grady, an indispensable asset during the challenges of the pandemic. With his clear vision and wisdom, our mission remained intact throughout the pandemic and the closure of our physical office. Launching into an all-virtual format has given us the opportunity to expand our reach beyond the borders of Northampton and the Pioneer Valley.
2024 Vision
Slowly, we have begun to restore the programming and educational outreach that were impossible just a short time ago. With the support of a working board, programming and development assures that the LDRC will continue to expand it’s vision in 2024 and beyond.
Impact
With the donations we received, our programming has reached from New England across the US to Florida, Arizona, Minnesota, Washington, California, Hawaii, and other states. New clients have come to us with their stories and challenges as they navigate the healthcare system. Armed with information and resources from our center, they are better equipped to find the support and healing needed.
New Volunteers
New volunteer peer counselors Mal Labriola and Christine Palmieri have expanded our ability to support even more new clients from across the country. Other volunteers, like Judy Toth, assist with our database, technical, and administrative needs. As always, we welcome new volunteers who wish to support our mission.
Holistic Therapies Program
Thanks to our holistic therapies volunteers: Anna Maria Irvine, DC Neuro Emotional Technique, NET),Christina Sheppard (Root Cause Biomagnetic Therapy), and Marianne Rieff, PhD (Emotional Freedom Technique/Mindful Tapping) who selflessly offer clients a chance to experience relaxation and healing free of charge. As this program expands, we will be able to offer more opportunities for patients and their care partners.
Pro-Bono Supporters
Other pro-bono supporters include Julie Kling, Esq. and Mark NeJame, Esq. our legal advisors; and Dede Ketover, “the board whisperer” who has been an invaluable resource as we navigated the successes and challenges of the past 10 years.
Free Programming Continues
With gratitude for our donors and business sponsors, we continue to offer all programming free of charge. There are many ways for you to help. Consider becoming a sustainer by making a monthly donation, it’s easy and convenient with PayPal. See below for information about volunteering, joining the board, becoming a donor or sponsor of the LDRC.
Remember that we are here for you and ready to help you find resources and support on your path to wellness. On Behalf of the Board of Directors and Volunteers I thank you for your continued support of our mission!
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and an abundant new year,
Maria Malaguti, Founder/Executive Director
Lyme Disease Resource Center
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
“Making the Holidays Work For You” A Global Alliance Blog by Jennifer Crystal dated December 22, 2017
“Many people with Lyme disease don’t have the physical capacity to celebrate the holidays. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy them! Here are some tips to work around your illness during the holidays.” To read more: https://www.globallymealliance.org/blog/8547-2
Your support allows us to offer free services to all! There are many ways to pay it forward!
VOLUNTEER
Ideal candidates will have commitment, integrity, and a passion for improving the lives of people affected by Lyme and tick borne illness. Positions include but are not limited to: Grant Writer, Fundraising Support, Zoom Assistant, Peer Counselor, Holistic Therapies, Quickbooks Data Entry, Office Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, and Board of Directors.
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