Research Can Change What Lyme Means.
A student-led initiative raising funds for Lyme disease research, starting with a goal of $10,000.
Raised so far
$0
Goal
$10,000
100% of donations directly fund scientific breakthroughs.
Advancing Science
For better diagnostics
Lyme Disease Is Often Harder to See Than People Think.
Transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick, Lyme disease is a complex bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Its symptoms often mimic other illnesses, from fatigue and joint pain to neurological issues, making timely and accurate diagnosis a significant challenge.
The threat is growing. Climate change and warmer, shorter winters are allowing tick populations to survive and expand into new regions. Booming deer populations provide ideal hosts, while suburban development pushes neighborhoods deeper into wooded habitats. Together, these forces are driving a sharp rise in tick encounters, and making Lyme research more urgent than ever before.
Accurate diagnosis and continued research remain critical to combating this growing public health challenge.
OUR INAUGURAL MISSION
A Clear Target for Tangible Progress
Our first objective is to raise $10,000. This is the seed funding critical for early stage research projects that larger institutions often overlook. Every dollar directly contributes to empowering scientists on the front lines of discovery.
A PERSONAL MISSION
I'm a high schooler originally from New York, and I spend my summers in Millbrook, NY, where tick country overlaps with some of my favorite memories.
Growing up, I spent a lot of time outdoors with my siblings. Being outside together, running through fields, exploring the woods, and spending long summer days in nature, was a huge part of my life and shaped some of my most cherished childhood memories.
After living with Lyme disease myself, I experienced firsthand how gaps in research and diagnosis can leave patients feeling unseen inside their own illness. Months of misdiagnosis, exhaustion, and uncertainty showed me just how much work still needs to be done.
My brother also had Lyme disease, but his experience was completely different from mine. His only symptom was a swollen knee, a striking reminder of how unpredictable and varied Lyme can be from one person to the next, and why better research and diagnostics matter so much.
That experience inspired me to start The Lyme Research Fund. It's my way of turning a painful chapter into meaningful scientific progress, and proving that students can lead the fight for better answers, better testing, and better treatments for everyone affected by Lyme disease.
By The Numbers
The Challenge in Numbers
Understanding the scope of the problem is the first step toward solving it. These figures highlight the urgent need for more research and better solutions.
476,000
Americans Diagnosed Annually
The CDC estimates this many new cases of Lyme disease each year, making it a widespread public health issue.
Up to 20%
Develop Chronic Symptoms
A significant portion of patients continue to experience symptoms post treatment, a condition known as PTLDS.
50%
Inaccuracy in Early Tests
Current diagnostic tests can be unreliable in the early stages of infection, leading to missed opportunities for treatment.
Get Involved
Join the Initiative
Progress is a collective effort. Whether you can give, advocate, or amplify, your involvement is crucial to changing the future of Lyme disease.
Donate
Your direct financial support fuels the labs and scientists working on the next generation of diagnostics and treatments. Every contribution makes a difference.
Educate
Learn the facts about Lyme disease prevention, symptoms, and the state of research. Informed advocates are our strongest allies in this fight.
Share
Amplify our mission. Share this page on social media, talk to your friends and family, and help us build a community dedicated to finding a cure.
Help Us Reach Our
$10,000 Goal
Whether you have questions about our research initiatives, want to partner with us, or are ready to contribute to the fight against Lyme disease, we want to hear from you.