One of the most powerful ways we can raise awareness of Lyme disease is by sharing our patient stories.
If it’s something you feel comfortable with, we would be really grateful if you would consider sharing your story with us. We can also help put you in touch with local and national newspapers, magazines, radio, or TV stations.
One of our aims is to create enough of an impact through our stories that others feel compelled to take precautions against being bitten by ticks. Of course, we don’t wish to scare anyone, but if we can save just one person from a life with Lyme disease, it will be a job well done!
It can feel rewarding to know that sharing your story can help others. In 2022, patient member, Dan Duerden, was featured in many different publications including the Lancashire Telegraph and the Farmers Guardian.
Dan recently told us: “I had somebody the other day contact me to say they haven’t been well for a year, but they saw an article in the press about me, and it led to them discovering they have Lyme disease. Just goes to show.”
How to Share Your Patient Story
We understand that opening up to the public is not everyone’s cup of tea, but if you feel you could share your story, please follow the three steps below.
- Write up your story
– Putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) can be empowering! Start with some key introductory details, such as where and when you were bitten. Describe anything you were doing at the time that may have put you at greater risk of a tick bite.
– Explain the effect living with Lyme disease has had on you as a person. How has your life changed since your diagnosis and what are your symptoms like on a day-to-day basis? What effect has the illness had on your friends and family?
– List any difficulties you’ve encountered accessing treatment. Try to bear in mind that treatment for Lyme disease is one of the most controversial subjects in medicine, and there are no universally-accepted treatment protocols.
– Choose some high resolution photos of yourself (at least 300 pixels per inch). It’s important for people to put a face to a name, and get a feel for you as a person!
2. Send us your story
Send over your story to our Press and Community Outreach Manager, Julia Knight using this form. We can help you with editing, including facts and providing images of ticks and tick tools.
3. Share the link with us
If your story is published online, please share the link with us via email.
With your permission, we would love to share your story on our social media channels. If you’ve been featured on TV or radio, we can also add the recording to our YouTube library!
Thank you so much for thinking about sharing your story. We appreciate your support in taking Lyme disease awareness to the next level!