NEWS: Angeli VanLaanen places 11th in Olympic finals
Once side-lined by chronic Lyme disease, she battled back to reach today’s final round in half-pipe skiing.
VanLaanen went into the final round as number five out of twelve. When all was said and done, she placed 11th in her event.
VanLaanen, 28, took a three-year break from skiing in 2009 to treat Lyme disease, which went misdiagnosed for 14 years. She released a 30-minute documentary about her treatment — “LymeLight” — last year.
She has since become a spokesperson for the LymeLight Foundation, which helps children pay for Lyme treatment. In the run-up to the Olympics, Angeli’s inspiring story has been shared on the international stage via broadcast and print media.
Tags : Angeli VanLaanen
congrats angeli; YOU represented the lyme disease/vector-borne community PROUDLY!
we were all cheering you on; so happy you accomplished and earned your way to the olympics.
we wish you continued good health in your competitive life-style.
best wishes, hugs/prayers,
bettyg, iowa lyme activist
I would like to offer Angeli our heartfelt congratulations for her courage, perserverence and outstanding performance! You are an inspiration for so many! I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the Lymelite Foundation as a support for not only Angeli but for so many children and families in the Lyme community.