When Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) decided to host a Lyme disease community event in Jupiter, Florida, our purpose was clear: to foster connection, extend our reach, and build a support network in a region where Lyme is often overlooked. As someone new to the area, I noticed something striking—many local doctors and therapists listed Lyme disease as a condition they treat. It hit me that Florida’s population includes transplants from Lyme endemic regions like the Northeast, bringing the disease with them. Add to that the state’s horse country, farmland, and wooded areas, and it’s clear Lyme isn’t absent here. We saw an opportunity to bring our presence to a new community, and we took the chance.
Science with a Heartbeat
The event unfolded as a conversational and deeply heartfelt experience. Attendees leaned in, eager for hope and answers. Our Scientific Officer, Armin Alaedini, spoke first, delivering a message of resilience and progress. He shared updates on GLA’s research, including trials for Hygromycin A, a repurposed drug that destroys the Lyme bacteria but preserves the microbiome. His focus on advanced diagnostics and our team of prestigious researchers sparked enthusiasm. His message was clear - GLA is in this for the long haul, and science is a path to a cure.
Tools for Healing, Now
Next, Elizabeth Tringali, a Functional Medicine and Lyme Literate practitioner, shared her testing methods and treatment protocols. Her practical advice—steps to feel better now while we work toward a cure—was empowering. Her talk stood out for its balance of compassion and actionable insights, giving attendees tools to navigate their daily struggles and heal.
A Safe Space to Be Seen
The Q&A was the moment that truly surprised and moved me. One by one, people stood up, their voices trembling as they shared stories of loss: homes, marriages, careers, savings, all taken by Lyme. Stories of despair: doctors dismissing symptoms, feelings of isolation, the weight of being misunderstood. The raw
What Comes Next
The afternoon left me both emotional and inspired. Sharing my 15 year Lyme journey of misdiagnosis, depression, debilitating symptoms, isolation, and then witnessing the audience’s response—tears, compassion, empathy— I felt both redemption and gratitude. It deepened my commitment to GLA’s work to engage, inform, and commit to long term support. The event shifted my perspective, too, reminding me that every story shared, no matter how painful, can spark healing for someone else. It solidified my resolve to keep this lifeline alive, to continue showing up for communities like Florida, and to never stop fighting.
To those still struggling: you are not alone. Connect with GLA for support, share your story, and let’s keep the conversation going. Together, we’re building a community that won’t give up until we find a cure.