The following scientists are icons within the Lyme disease community. Each has made transformative contributions to our understanding of this complex illness, its co-infections, and the pursuit of effective treatments. Their unwavering efforts inspire hope that the answers we so desperately need are obtainable.

• Monica Embers, PhD, Tulane University
• John Aucott, MD, Johns Hopkins University
• Kim Lewis, PhD, Northeastern University
• Brian Fallon, MD, Columbia University
• Ed Breitschwerdt, DVM, DACVIM, North Carolina State University

These exceptional scientists share something else in common—they have each received federal funding at some point to support their groundbreaking research. Unfortunately, this kind of funding is now at risk. Where will the Lyme community be if scientists like these don’t have the resources to continue their work?

A leaked budget proposal last week unveiled plans to slash $40 billion from the Department of Health and Human Services (on top of reductions that have already been made). Among the cuts are programs vital to Lyme disease research, including LymeX, an initiative focused on creating better diagnostic tools for Lyme disease. Some specifics of how NIH funding for Lyme disease research will be impacted remain unclear, but the threat is evident—and urgent.

In response, the Center for Lyme Action has prepared an easy way for you to contact your elected representatives to say you want to protect funding for Lyme research.

Please urge Congress to fund Health and Human Services (HHS) Lyme and tick-borne disease programs.

Every letter is important. CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION. 

Spread the word. Please forward and share with family and friends today.

TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, President of LymeDisease.org. She is co-author of Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease and of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.