Ticked Off Lyme Foundation offers support, awareness

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Ticked Off Lyme Foundation Inc. is on a mission to bring awareness to Lyme Disease and to help aid with peer support through HOPE, HEALTH, and HEALING. (Photo submitted)

By Caroline Rosacker

Lyme disease, also called Borreliosis, is passed to humans and animals from the bite of a tick that can carry the Borrelia bacteria. 

Although ticks carrying the bacteria are found across the United States,  Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. It is also common in Europe and south-central and southeastern Canada.

Tina Rosekrans of Fairfax was inspired to create Ticked Off Lyme Foundation Inc. following her best friend's diagnosis in 2019 with Lyme Disease. 

The nonprofit organization is on a mission to bring awareness to Lyme Disease and to help aid with peer support through HOPE, HEALTH, and HEALING. 

"My friend was sick for nine years before she was accurately diagnosed by health professionals," said Rosekrans. "By the time she was finally diagnosed with Lyme, it had damaged many parts of her system." 

Protect yourself and others

If you spend time where ticks live, such as in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas it is recommended that you take extra precautions to make sure you stay safe, including: 

• Wear long sleeves/pants, tuck pants into socks, and wear closed-toe shoes. 

• Wear light colors to see ticks easier. 

• Use bug spray all over. 

• Check for ticks immediately after leaving the outdoors.

Signs and symptoms

Early symptoms include a bulls eye rash and flu-like symptoms, such as headache, fever, chills, muscle/joint aches, fatigue, and a general feeling of unwell.

"When most people think of Lyme Disease, they picture the classic bulls eye rash," noted a board member of the Ticked Off Lyme Foundation, who has been diagnosed with the disease. "And while 70% of people with Lyme may develop this rash, that leaves 30% who never do! This can lead to Lyme Disease going undetected or misdiagnosed for months—even years."

"Many Lyme symptoms may mimic other conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or even anxiety and depression, making it tricky to diagnose," added another member of the board diagnosed with Lyme Disease. "If you've been dealing with unexplained symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or strange rashes, Lyme disease could be hiding behind them."

The group agreed, "Trust your body and don’t ignore the signs. Keep pushing for answers, and know that early detection is key!"

Procedure for tick bite

If you have been bitten by a deer tick it is important to make sure to remove the entire tick especially the part that is embedded in your skin as soon as possible. Seek medical attention if you start to feel symptoms unfamiliar to you so your physician can prescribe a round of antibiotics. The tick can also be sent off to check for Lyme/co-infections. 

Ticked Off Lyme Foundation Inc.

Rosekrans and her friend, Pam Glandorf, created a support group for people with Lyme Disease in 2023. The group meets the first Saturday of every month (Like, Follow their FaceBook page, Ticked Off Lyme Foundation for updates). "After the first group meeting I had a gut feeling that I needed to do more," shared Rosekrans. "Pam and I discussed a foundation and Ticked Off Lyme Foundation Inc. became a reality. 

In 2023 Rosekrans also partnered with a Lyme group out of Virginia and hosted a 5K in Fairfax for Lyme Awareness. "The money we raised had to go to the non-profit in Virginia," she pointed out. "Iowans were able to apply for a grant from this organization." 

During the 5K Rosekrans was approached by half a dozen people who have Lyme Disease. "They all thanked me because they finally felt like they were being seen and heard," she commented. 

The nonprofit organization has held various fund-raisers such as placing collection sights at small businesses, a 5K walk/run, a polar splash, guest bartending, and partnering with Pampered Chef. Rosekrans plans to host another 5K event, with a goal of adding one city/town every year moving forward.

"I would like to inspire other communities to get involved so we can keep bringing awareness to such a horrible, misunderstood disease. All funds that we raise in Iowa will stay in Iowa to help people in our backyards with their fight. No one will fight this disease ALONE!” she concluded with a smile.  

For questions or more information on how you can help Ticked Off Lyme Foundation, please email them at Tickedofflymefoundation@outlook.com.

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