When it comes to understanding the impact that Lyme Disease has on the lives of individuals and families, there’s no better source of reference than going straight to the proverbial horse’s mouth. That’s why in October of 2014, we launched “The Big Green Heart Tour” – a campaign to bring awareness to the eight hundred and twenty-two people diagnosed with Lyme Disease every single day.
In thirty days we traveled over 10,000 miles and interviewed more than seventy Lyme Fighters in over twenty states. And that was just our first trip! We hope to do many more. In fact, our goal is to show people the impact that one single day has on the lives of eight hundred and twenty-two people, which is why we’re going to keep planning trips until we’ve met and interviewed eight hundred and twenty-two Lyme Fighters.
Check out the gallery below to learn about the Lyme Fighters we’ve met so far (more pictures coming soon!)and subscribe to our YouTube channel to be the first to know when we’ve started posting the interviews (coming May 2015).
Raine and Bre
October 15, 2014:Earlier today in Missoula, MT we had the pleasure of meeting these two awesome ladies, Raine and Bre. High school Junior, Raine, is well aquatinted with Lyme having watched her mother battle it for the past six years and was herself diagnosed this past January. Her father has recently been diagnosed as well. Close friend, Bre, was diagnosed over a year ago after her persistent symptoms raised suspicions with Raine's family. Now the two girls fight lyme together, and do so with impeccable style! But don't be mistaken, these girls may "look good," but they certainly don't feel good and both have had to give up many of the privileges afforded to the average, healthy, teenager. An avid athlete, Bre once hoped to be awarded an athetlic scholarship before having to give up sports and postpone college due to her debilitating Lyme symptoms. Meanwhile, Raine struggles to keep up in school and worries that her cognitive impairments have ruined her chances at being her class valedictorian. Not to be defeated, though, both girls continue to strive to live full lives. Bre hopes to study photography and has launched her own photography business and Raine is in the midst of recording an album of original songs. Both girls have definitely earned the #LymeWarrior badge! Loved meeting them both and can't wait to share more of their story once our trip is done!