NEWS: Remembering Willy Burgdorfer, 1925-2014
Willy Burgdorfer, who discovered the Lyme spirochete that was later named for him (Borrelia burgdorferi, died this week at age 89.
Last week, when we reported that Burgdorfer was in failing health, we invited you to leave messages of gratitude in our blog comment section. More than 150 of you have done so, in a few different languages.
Here is a selection of them:
“Thank you for your ground breaking research. You put a name on a disease, which brought answers and validation to many. Thank you for paving the way for all the Lyme fighters to come.”
“In science the truth is a beautiful thing. Thank you for your dedication to it.”
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for going that extra mile and finding out what this horrible disease is. Because of you, thousands and thousands of people know what they’re fighting against.”
From Lyme researcher Dr. Alan MacDonald:
“Connecting the ideas which you have given life to has improved the quality of life for so many persons. We shall continue…moving forward and improving the quality of life for so many, thanks to your hard work, brilliant research, and advocacy.”
From Lyme researcher Dr. Eva Sapi:
“You are our hero and I feel very lucky to have talked to you once on the phone. You were so interested in the latest findings from our research lab, it was so refreshing to hear that you never lost your interest for Lyme disease. You are in our prayers and thank you for everything you did for the field.”
There are comments from different countries, some in different languages. Click here to scroll through them for yourself.
A memorial service will be held for Dr. Burgdorfer on Saturday, November 22, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Hamilton, Montana.
Watch an excerpt of Open Eye Pictures’ interview with Dr. Burgdorfer, discussing the controversy surrounding Lyme disease.
I was lucky enough to talk with Dr. Burgdorfer in about 2005, shortly after I had been diagnosed with Lyme disease which I had had for over 10 years before they finally diagnosed me. We must have talked for half an hour and I felt so fortunate to be able to speak with him. God bless him for his work on this insidious disease. Jeanette Stamm, Washington, KS
Thank you for all your hard work in discovering this disease for all the suffering people and saving my beautiful 8 year old sons life, RIP
Giovanni’s mom Cheryl
RIP Willy Burgdorfer,,,,Sadly I have been too sick to know about your failing health.
I was diagnosed with Neuro Lyme in 2011. 2 Summers ago, I became extremely ill. My bladder stopped functioning, which led to surgery and a diagnosis of interstitial cystitis. I did not have a bowl movement in 6 weeks, weakened left side and excruciating pain. I was referred to see a psychiatrist by a Gastroenterologist and diagnosed with Fibromyalgia by a Neurologist, who also believed I was depressed.
I went back to the Dr. Who treated me for Neuro Lyme. He practically threw me out of his office without even a clinical examination. My Lyme has worsened. My pain level is for much of the day above “10”. It has so far taken me 1 1/2 hours to write this. I now have a courageous LLD who treats me. He believes me!
God Speed, Willy B.
So many of us around the world are deeply grateful for Dr. Burgdorfer’s tremendous contributions to science and medicine. Dr. B., you are truly an inspiration for your years of dedicated research, and an angel for giving a name and validation to those who have suffered pain and debilitation from this seemingly “invisible” illness, Borrelia Burgdorferi. As a true pioneer, please know your work has launched new chapters in the fields of research and medical treatment worldwide. The answers will be found in science, and the science is ongoing.
Thank you and God bless you, forever and always!
Martha Young
Heartfelt thank you. Thank you for your life’s work. Thank you for your persistance. Thank you for advancing research on Lyme disease. Thank you for combating outdated medical dogmas.
So sad , to learn of Dr, Burgdorfer’s passing. I am lucky, to have Dr.Rihard Horowitz, as my doc, for 5 years. I know all about Dr. Burgdorfer’s work, and writings. A genius, and such aBRILLIANT force, in understanding and treating Lyme, and attempting to educate the world, about Lyme , and all the co-infections. A medical GIANT. If the world was sane– a Nobel Prize winner.
As he is, for all Lyme Sufferers.
A huge loss. A brilliant,focused crusader.
Love to his family, and love to his life, and work, from all Lyme sufferers.
Molly Mason
“If the world was sane– a Nobel Prize winner.” Amen to that!
Forever grateful for your work, you have helped so many of us in the Lyme community. Our heartfelt condolences to all those who love you.
Godspeed ~
Mary Fanslau
I was a vibrant, alive 24 year old with my life ahead of me. I became ill at 24 and stayed ill on and off for 25 years – when I was finally diagnosed with Lyme. Dr. Burgdorfer’s work gave me a path back to health. His work has affected the lives of 100,000s throughout the world. Very few who have ever lived have done work in their lives that have done so much good for so many people. I am forever grateful and will always think of Dr. Burgdorfer with great respect and admiration.
Rest in the arms of source love, Dr. Burgdorfer. May your caring soul be lifted up to clearly see the answers and justice that elude us under the veil of this human life. Thank you, for being a man of utmost integrity and brilliance during your time with us here. We will never forget your work and your contribution, to bring light to dark shadows that seek to hide the cause of great human suffering. The cause created by intention to destroy life, by those that have no conscience, no compassion, for their reward is brief and pitiful, while your’s and those courageous doctors who follow your dedicated example of healing, rather than killing, shall be exalted, in the positive energy of the aware and living, creative cosmos.
My Condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Burgdorfer He is Not only a brilliant researcher but a man of true compassion I will forever be grateful for this wonderful man’s life
I am humbled for having known Doc Willy. I sit here in amazement reviewing the convergence of unbridled intellect, determination, scientific integrity, selflessness, and commitment to truth in all things related.
I believe I have witnessed a one in a billion event.
However this amazing universe or universes was begun is unknown. There are few people like Doc Willy, they will ultimately answer that question.
My utmost respect Doc.
Dr. B, you will not be forgotten.