In 1999, my five year old little sister Chelsea had a sudden onset of headaches, achy joints, weakness, fevers and fatigue. Numerous trips to the pediatrician resulted in no answer to why she was so ill. After months and months of miss-diagnose after another, one doctor finally did a Lyme Test on Chelsea and the test came back positive. She started oral antibiotics right away but her symptoms always returned.

Trying to find a doctor to treat a Chelsea's chronic Lyme Disease or even to find one that believed there was such a thing, was an incredible challenge. It took 2 1/2 years of numerous physicians and specialists to find a doctor that would agree the disease was still present in her body.

Chelsea is now 17 years old and continues to suffer with chronic Lyme Disease. Chelsea has endured more doctor visits, labwork, and antibiotics than most grown adults. The chronic illness of Chelsea has changed her life and our family's lives forever. I have hope that someday Chelsea will be completely free of Lyme Disease!!

Early detection is key with Lyme Disease and with the proper education, awareness, research and treatment this disease can be abolished. I hope that no child has to suffer through Lyme Disease and with my organization, Team Lyme, I hope to help conquer Lyme!

I invite you to join Team Lyme supporting education research & treatment of lyme disease, share your lyme disease struggles and triumphs and get involved with Team Lyme!

Love, Melissa