TOUCHED BY LYME: Ski champ shares her “LymeLight” in new film
Watch her inspirational 30-minute documentary for free on-line
In the mid-2000s, an observer might have thought professional freeskier Angeli VanLaanen was headed for the Olympics. But even though she was a phenomenal skier, in the background, she was struggling with a strange variety of physical symptoms that threatened her ability to keep going. By 2009, she was seriously impaired and not one of her doctors could figure out what was wrong.
Finally, her aunt Jenny suggested she get tested for Lyme disease. The results were positive. Under the treatment of a Lyme-literate doctor, she underwent an arduous struggle to regain her health and return to skiing. She also decided to make a film about her experience.
“When I was diagnosed in November of 2009, I struggled to find a hopeful outlook on my diagnosis,” Angeli remembers. “I searched high and low for a Lyme treatment success story to look up to, but only found horror stories and a grim reality for people battling Lyme disease.”
She wanted to demonstrate to other people with Lyme that there is hope, that it’s possible to get well. Click here to watch her film, “LymeLight.”
LymeLight – The Story Of Professional Freeskier Angeli VanLaanen Living With Lyme Disease from NEU PRODUCTIONS on Vimeo.
TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, LymeDisease.org’s VP for Education and Outreach. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.
Angeli,
You have no idea how much you film touched my heart ! I’m a 51 year old man who’s worked outside my entire life, I was infected in midwest Wisconsin in 2000. I gave up hunting, camping, fishing, mountain biking, kayaking, archery, and just having the ability to have a normal life. Your story hit me so hard because I have a 24 year old daughter who also has Lyme. Like you, she is moving on with a healthy lifestyle, and I hope by being young you guys natural immune systems can take over and heal you. I haven’t been able to do all my old hobbies but I am functional due to some wonderful LLMD’s. I am very active in Lyme support, and you know I will be sharing your video with everyone I know, including Doctors and media people. I hope you were able to participate in the World Wide Lyme protest. Yes, you’re a great skier, but in my mind you’re greatest accomplishment is this helpful documentary.
Be Well !
Dave
Wow, what a beautifully done video! I am the mom of an athletic 20 year old who went 5 years before diagnosis. Five years into treatment, she is doing great but her journey has been a complex and rough one. I have immersed myself in the world of Lyme and this video is the most moving and informative piece I have seen. Angeli speaks so eloquently about the details of the healing journey and the intense stamina it takes to recover. Her gratitude for having been able to access good treatment and her wish for others to get well touched my heart. She is a true inspiration. I am sure her loved ones are very proud. Kudos to her aunt! Great camera work, great editing. Thanks to you all! Lydia Rackenberg, Northampton MA
Angeli, your story is incredible. You are incredible. Your story of survival and beating the odds is soooo encouraging. I know your story is not only encouraging all of us but saving many lives. I give you so much credit and I admire your determination. How long did you have to go through treatment before you were better to the point where you could get your life back again? Are you still getting any form of treatment? What antibiotics did you use specifically? What is that chelation therapy treatment? How much more helpful was that in addition to your antibiotics? Did you use any type of natural treatment as well such as supplements or herbs? Did you use hyperberic oxygen therapy? What made you get the IV antibiotics instead of the oral ones? Can you please send me your email? I can’t tell you how important your story and your experience is to help so many with their journey of diagnoses, treatment, and healing. You should be sooo proud of your accomplishments!!!! And you are an olympic winner in my book!!!!!!!! Wish you the best!!!!! Thanks for sharing your story of hope and inspiration!!!! Colzy