Lyme Disease Resource Center, Inc.
37 Bridge St. #171 Northampton, MA 01061
413-588-7388 [email protected]
December 13, 2024
From the desk of the Executive Director
Dear Friends,
This is a photo of one of my favorite peaceful spots. Although the picture was taken in 2022, the view is one I return to whenever I need a dose of the forest. This spot changes through the seasons, bright green as the plants and trees leaf out in the spring and cool deep greens as the forest canopy shades the river during the heat of summer. In the brief days of fall, the leaves turn crimson and gold, and the winter brings the peaceful silence of a snow covered landscape.
During this time of year, it’s good to remind ourselves to slow down and take time to nurture ourselves. For those of us who are managing a complex chronic illness, this is a necessity. At the LDRC we will be closing from December 21st – January 1st to give our volunteers and board members time to rest and reflect on a year of progress and growth.
For those of you who are in need of inspiration on self care I encourage you to read Jennifer Crystal’s holiday articles on her blog on The Global Lyme Alliance website: “Making the Holidays Work For You” and “The Holidays: Ways to Participate When You Can’t Be There in Person”.
Volunteers Linda Reeves and Bobbie Schaeffer will be hosting new programs focused on self care and creativity. Their first offering is a Winter Gathering for the community this Saturday, December 14. To find out more and register for this special event go to: https://www.lymedrc.org/events/.
In January, Bobbie and Linda will be introducing more creative events starting with a Book Chat on January 11, 2025. Delia Owens’ Where the Crawdads Sing will be the first book in the series. Linda shares: “Bring your favorite tea, warm slippers and comforter. Let’s curl up on a cold winter afternoon and travel together to the warm North Carolina marshes with Where the Crawdads Sing.” On January 18, Bobbie will be guiding us through a relaxing session of Neurographic Art. No experience is necessary! We’ll be posting these and other programs for 2025 soon! If you’re not already, sign up for our mailing list to stay informed about all our events and news: https://www.lymedrc.org/contact/.
In the new year we will be resuming our Practitioner Presentations educational series with topics ranging from children and Lyme, to prevention, and applying for disability. You’ll see some familiar names from the Lyme world and new faces as well!
I am so grateful for our clients, donors, volunteers, board members and supporters! You are the people who are passionate about our mission and keep our organization thriving.
Wishing you all a peaceful holiday season and abundance in the new year!
Warm Regards,
Maria Malaguti, Executive Director/Founder
From Long Time Volunteer and Board Treasurer Nellie Wilson
Hello Friends,
As 2024 draws to a close, on behalf of the Board, I want to thank all of you who have donated, all of you who have showed up to our events and support groups, and all of you who have supported us in other ways. The supportive community we are building at the Lyme Disease Resource Center is so inspiring.
For those of you who may not know me, I’ve been facilitating the monthly 3rd Wednesday Support Group since 2018 and assisting with a number of behind the scenes projects to keep the LDRC going and growing. Last year I joined the Board of Directors and assumed the position of Treasurer. It has been a rewarding experience to volunteer and serve as a Board member and I’d like to encourage you to join us.
As part of our year-end work, we are reaching out to find new volunteers and Board members to join us in building a vibrant future for the LDRC. Volunteers keep this organization going and the work makes a big difference in people’s lives. So many of our clients have felt alone and overwhelmed living with Lyme and tick-borne illnesses until they found the LDRC’s resources and support.
If you (or someone you know) are interested in making a difference, check out the volunteer positions that are available: https://www.lymedrc.org/get-involved/volunteer/. to learn more about work with the LDRC Board of Directors, check out: https://www.lymedrc.org/get-involved/board-of-directors/ and email us: [email protected] to connect. If you don’t have the time to volunteer, consider making a donation. Volunteer time and financial support sustains us in offering these vital services.
Wishing all of you happy and joyous holidays and looking forward to connecting with more of you in the new year!
With Gratitude,
Nellie Wilson, Volunteer and Board Treasurer
LDRC News and Updates
Winter Gathering to Celebrate Our Amazing LDRC Community
Saturday, December 14, 1-2:30 pm
via Zoom
Register Here
Please join us for a Lyme-free celebration, an opportunity to get to know each other for the strong, courageous people we are – no discussions of protocols, symptoms, or treatments! We have several activities planned, so come in your PJ’s, your fancy attire or just as you are! Caregivers, friends, and family are also welcome.
Support Groups
3rd Wednesdays: Chronic Illness Support and Wellness Group
December 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
January 4, 2025
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.Your donation helps us offer free programing and services.
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