Australians Battling Against Lyme Disease
Photo: Chanel Moloney, supplied.
While Lyme Disease isn’t recognised by the Australian Government, the infection is nonetheless leaving thousands of Australians in agony each year. Without the proper treatment at home, these people are often forced to travel overseas to receive the care they desperately need.
Chanel Moloney - A Girl’s Battle with Chronic Lyme Disease
When Chanel was 10 years old her health began to decline, forcing the bubbly little girl to drop out of school and become bedridden. After countless medical appointments and tests, Chanel was finally given her Lyme Disease diagnosis.
On Chanel’s mycause campaign, her mother Cate talks about Chanel’s medication and the heartbreaking effect this horrific infection has on her daughter.
“Chanel has been unable to attend school for over 2 years and has been on long term antibiotic treatment and painkillers for the past 18 months. Her medication consists of over 200 tablets a week, all this with NO government funding at all.”
“Chanel is now 15 and has missed out on all the things that we take for granted, like a basic education, having enough energy to take a shower or go for a walk, going out with her friends, all whilst living with constant debilitating pain.”
When Chanel’s initial Lyme Disease treatment became ineffective, the last chance for Chanel was to go to Germany for advanced hyperthermia treatment. Thanks to the generosity of family, friends and the wider community, over $19,000 was raised for Chanel’s overseas Lyme Disease treatment.
Vicki Rides 100kms for Lyme Disease
“I presented with close to 40 symptoms after a tick bite on NYE, 2013.”
Vicki’s health rapidly declined after her tick bite, with severe joint pain, blurred vision and memory loss.
Thanks to a quick Lyme Disease diagnosis and treatment immediately after her diagnosis,Vicki was able to recover. Vicki knew how lucky she was to receive treatment, and wanted to give back to the association which provided Vicki with the resources and support she needed to recover.
“If it wasn’t for the Lyme Disease Association of Australia (who work tirelessly to bring awareness to Lyme Disease in our country), and who also played such a crucial role in helping me seek correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment for this illness which is not recognised or treated freely in Australia - I am confident in saying that there is no way I would be at a functioning state today, both physically and mentally.”
To show her gratitude, Vicki launched a mycause campaign, fundraising for the Lyme Disease Association of Australia by riding 100kms. A goal of $1000 was set, with Vicki able to exceed her target and raise $1550 for the LDAA.
The Lyme Disease Association of Australia provides family, friends and people living with Lyme Disease vital information and advice on how to treat and manage this infection. To learn more about the association and find out what you can do to help, go to LDAA’s mycause charity profile. If you or someone you know is affected by Lyme Disease, then you can create a mycause campaign to fundraise for Lyme Disease treatment and recovery.