The "Big March"

Forgive me for being a pest...

BUT we have to change the CDC criteria for IgM/IgG Western Blot. My most recent idea is to do what every other group that has been discriminated against/ignored/marginalized, etc. 'Stand Up.' 'Act Out.' 'Get A Voice.'

Whether it's Rosa Parks on a bus in Birmingham, AL; MLK's 1968 protest in Washington, DC; or gays marching for recognition & treatment for AIDS... they got organised, vocal, and persistent. Yes, Gloria Steinem, NOW, etc. mobilized their supporters to do the same.

It will take some very dedicated people: some who have the logistical skills to simply pull-off several large marches. When will these be? (you wonder) 10-27-14. Why? That is the 20th anniversary of the notorious "Dearborn Conference" decision to basically forget about 90% of lyme sufferers.

Next October, folks. It's do-able. I won't rest until we start doing concrete things to get ready. I've said it kazillion times: are strength is in numbers. That is also about the only thing that get's the gov'ts attention. My idea is to prepare 1000's of Fed Tort Claims to hand-deliver to CDC in Atlanta.

And... march on Washington, DC for the obvious reason(s). But also to picket or single out some of those jackasses at the Dearborn Con-ference, like Alan Steere & Alan Barbour. Two IDS docs who really did a number on us, and were receving money on the side from Big Insurance, the gov't, and who knows who. Look on Amazon for Barbour's book about Lyme. It's downright insulting. Read all the negative reviews. "Lymies" took exception to the good doctor's condescending attitude & basically dismissing chronic lyme/late stage lyme/ neuroborreliosis.

All Right!!!! Let's put on our marching shoes. I'll buy a Nike florescent green Tee for the occasion; maybe one of those lyme glow in the dark bracelets too. (for the evening "festivities)." Especially the folks on the East Coast, since NY is the epicenter for Lyme cases and people in Atlanta because the CDC is using 20 year old guidelines that were only intended for 'surveillance.' Not diagnosis!

OK... i'm getting carried away. But we have to start now to pull this off next year. Let me know what you think. To borrow one of Ed Bartle's lines: 'Thanks for your support.'

I wanted to know how you are doing and about any progress you've made in lyme advocacy. I am interested in helping anyway I can.

I also wanted to mention to all members that there is a relatively new non-profit organization that are making great strides in the area of tic borne diseases.

It is the Tic Borne Disease Alliance (tbda.org). They are scheduling lots of walks and bicycle rides around the country right now to raise awareness and money for research.

They have some pretty powerful and wealthy people involved, which is needed to change things. They are very aware of all the issues and politics and were smart enough to not have the word, LYME in the name of their organization.

Let's all hope that they are able to make new progress in ways that has not been done before.

Have a good day!

Anna