*Originally published 9/13/18*
So, it’s been a few months since the first annual Lyme Education Tour ended, and I realized I never really did a recap. So, here we go!
This past summer I accompanied Dr. Nancy Fox (my bff, just born a few years apart) on the first Lyme Education tour! Over the course of 6 weeks, we went to over 8 different states, and talked to close to 1,500 children and counselors about Lyme and tick prevention. This was the most amazing, educational, spontaneous experience I have ever had and I am so honored that Dr. Fox chose me to help her!
So, here a few fun things I learned while on tour:
There is always Panera. No matter what state we were in, no matter what time of day, or holiday (shout-out to Independence Day) Panera will always be there for us to provide us with delicious salads!
Starbucks is my savior. The amount of Starbucks I consumed over these 6 weeks was astronomical, but without it, I would have turned into a dull blob. So thank you Starbucks for making me into the person I am today.
Hotel living can be fun. We stayed in so many different hotels that I honestly can’t count them, but they were all amazing. Each hotel was different and had its own little perks. We had so much fun turning each room into our little “tour headquarters” and trying to figure out how to load and unload all of our equipment was a blast! Although, having an RV would be a lot easier ;)
Impromptu trips to NYC are always needed. On our last day of tour, we made a pit-stop at the Today Show and got to see Charlie Puth perform. PLUS, we made it on TV!!
Now here are some Lyme related things I learned:
Food allergies can be a foreign concept to many kids. Every time we told these kids that I could no longer eat pizza, cake or anything else that has gluten in it, they FREAKED out! It was actually pretty hilarious that this is what really got them hooked. One kid actually said to me, with the utmost sincerity: “pizza is love.” And I said, “I know, so imagine what it feels like not being able to eat that anymore all because of Lyme disease.” And they were all shook.
My life is crazy. I never really think much about my story or what I have been through because it is just how my life has to be. I cannot help what happens or doesn’t happen, and I have learned to live with it. But when I stood there and told these people that just a few months ago, I was spending my days paralyzed, barely able to function, I realized just how crazy this Lyme life is. Everywhere we went, people would comment on how positive I am. And I had never really thought about that before, but I guess I am pretty positive. Every obstacle this disease has thrown at me thus far, I have overcome. I went from being unable to drive myself anywhere, or even bathe myself, to driving through New York City 3 times in 4 weeks with complete ease. This disease can turn your life upside down, and all around in a matter of days, so you just have to learn how to roll with it.
This tour is needed. Everywhere we went, the kids had heard of ticks. But, none of them knew what Lyme disease could do. None of the kids, or even the counselors, knew how to properly remove a tick. No one knew that ticks have been found in all 50 states and 7 continents. No one knew the severity of Lyme disease. Yet, in every group, at least 1 person knew someone who had Lyme disease. This disease is everywhere, yet these people had no idea how to protect themselves, or loved ones from it―until they talked to us.
We have already been asked to return next year, and have some new prospects as well. A lot of the kids said they wish they could even learn more about Lyme!
I think this tour really taught these kids a lot―I know I learned something from it. I hope that our message continues to spread, and hopefully, next year, we can help prevent more children from falling victim to Lyme disease.
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