May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about Lyme disease, its symptoms, and the importance of tick bite prevention. With the warmer weather, more people are spending time outdoors, increasing the risk of encountering disease-carrying ticks. One tick bite is all it takes to change a life.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, is a multi-staged, multi-systemic illness. It can manifest in acute (early stage) and chronic (late stage or persisting) forms. Contracted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, Lyme disease affects everyone, with an estimated 900 new cases daily, including 200 children.
A message from our CEO:
Global Lyme Alliance: Leading the Fight Against Lyme Disease
Global Lyme Alliance is the leading 501(c)(3) dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through innovative research, awareness, and empowering the patient voice. GLA has gained national prominence for funding some of the most urgent and promising research in the world, while expanding education and awareness programs for the public and physicians. We support those around the globe needing information about tick-borne diseases. Learn more here about our most recent efforts.
Ticks that transmit Lyme disease can be found everywhere you go outdoors—be it the yard, the soccer field, running around the playground, or simply walking the dog. In fact, we are observing more, and more types of, disease-carrying ticks out and about this year. This trend could lead to more cases of Lyme and tick-borne illness if we are not prepared and AWARE. One bite is all it takes.
At Global Lyme Alliance, our goal for May-Lyme Disease Awareness Month is to share the message “One Bite Is All It Takes” with as many in the community as possible. Those currently suffering from Lyme know all too well the impact that a single tick bite can have—from ongoing physical symptoms to debilitating neurological impairments. And in rare cases, death. And for the general community, it’s critical to share the message of prevention. We can’t let our guard down when it comes to ticks, because one bite is all it takes.
How to Get Involved
You can help us make a difference, for both patients and the community-at-large. Your support of this important campaign will bring awareness to the impact of “One Bite Is All It Takes” as well as support GLA’s ongoing programs to support research, education, and our expanded patient services programs, such as our peer-to-peer mentor support.
1. Start a Fundraiser.
You can fundraise directly on the Global Lyme Alliance website or on Facebook. Starting a fundraiser is easy. Begin with a donation of your own and then encourage your family and friends to support you as you fight for this important cause. Start your fundraiser with GLA today.
2. Raise Awareness on Social Media.
Spread the word and make a difference by raising awareness on social media. Share our graphics, templates, videos, and facts to educate others about Lyme disease. Together, we can support our campaign and make a difference in the fight against Lyme disease.
Get Graphics:
We’ve put together a toolkit with downloadable/shareable images and facts to make it easy for you to post on social media. Educate your friends and family about Lyme disease, prevent more cases, and end the stigma for patients suffering today.
Check Out Our Template:
Print out our One Bite Is All It Takes template. There are a few options to choose from. If you choose a blank page, ask your own “One Bite" story. Get creative, it’s whatever resonates with you and your Lyme journey.
- Take a photo with the sign (see example below).
- Post on social media. Tag Global Lyme Alliance
- Tell your story and encourage others to share their story
- Lastly, when you share, please ask people to donate to GLA because funding and awareness must come from our community
Pointers for Creating a Video:
Make a Be Tick AWARE video! Here are suggested video talking points about the One Bite Is All It Takes campaign and Be Tick AWARE tick bite prevention program.
3. Connect With GLA
Stay informed about the latest news, research, and events by subscribing to our e-newsletter. Receive updates directly to your inbox and be the first to know about new initiatives and opportunities to get involved. Sign up here.
Join Us On Social
Throughout the month we’ll be posting social graphics that correspond with the messaging in the campaign. Follow us on social media to reshare the graphics when they go live.
4. Become Educated on Lyme Disease
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from tick bites with our Be Tick AWARE™ program. Education is key in preventing Lyme disease. Explore our resources to learn about tick bite prevention, symptoms, and treatment options. Explore our resources.
5. Donate To Make A Difference
Want to make a donation to help support outreach programs like this and our overall mission? Click here to donate.
Global Lyme Alliance exists to make life better for those who suffer with Lyme Disease, as well as their families who struggle alongside them. GLA is able to provide doctor referrals, peer mentorship, educational resources, and most importantly, drive the much-needed research that gives us hope for a cure, better treatments and better diagnosis.
Your support allows GLA to live its mission to help those who need it the most.
Learn About Lyme Disease
PREVENTION. Increased tick activity combined with unreliable diagnostics and limited treatment options makes diligent tick prevention for the entire family, including pets, of utmost important. The risk of a potentially debilitating tick bite is too great. Get prevention tips here.
SYMPTOMS. Most people with Lyme disease never felt the tick bite, and many do not see a rash. While you may not feel the bite, you may feel the symptoms. Some of the first symptoms may include a flu-like condition, with fever, chills, headache, stiff neck, achiness, and fatigue. Learn more about the stages and symptoms here.
TREATMENT: While early detection and treatment are crucial, Lyme disease can be challenging to diagnose. Global Lyme Alliance supports ongoing research into more reliable diagnostics and effective treatments. Learn more about treatment options or to find a a Lyme specialist near you.
WE ARE ALL AT RISK. Everyone is at risk for Lyme disease, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities. We’re not saying don’t enjoy the great outdoors, just learn how to prevent a tick bite and learn more about tick-borne diseases as a precaution. There are 427,000 new cases of Lyme disease in the U.S. every year. Don’t be one of them. Learn more about Lyme disease here.
