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A Unified Call to Action for Lyme Disease

In a remarkable demonstration of unity, over 5,000 Lyme disease patients, advocates, and healthcare professionals from across all 50 states have come together to appeal to former President Trump regarding the urgent need for action against Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. The initiative, which ran from January 21 to February 2, 2025, utilized digital advocacy through platforms like One Click Politics to amplify their message.

The Campaign: #MakeLymeLoud

This campaign, known as #MakeLymeLoud, is not just a call to awareness but a demand for tangible public health reforms. With prominent endorsements from celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo and Christopher Meloni, the campaign has captured significant media attention and public interest. It seeks to disrupt the current status quo in how Lyme disease is approached within the healthcare system.

The letter sent to Trump highlights the achievements made during his previous administration, such as the initiation of the HHS Lyme Innovation Initiative and the LymeX Innovation Accelerator, both of which aimed to improve research and treatment options for Lyme disease. The advocates now urge Trump to build on this momentum, emphasizing that combating chronic illnesses like Lyme is essential not only for individual health but also for the economic wellbeing of the nation.

Why Lyme Disease Matters

Despite being recognized as a significant public health crisis since 1975, Lyme disease continues to be inadequately addressed. Patients often report long-term health issues and a lack of access to accurate diagnostics and effective treatments, a situation that co-director of The Quiet Epidemic, Lindsay Keys, describes as deeply concerning. Keys notes, "Fifty years later, people still lack access to what they need to fight this disease. It is time for the government to intervene."

The letter stresses the urgent need for increased funding for research and treatment options, highlighting the bipartisan nature of this issue that demands unity across the aisle. The goal is not just to draw attention but to encourage cooperative efforts to advocate for legislative changes that could significantly improve the situation for Lyme patients.

Moving Forward Together

This campaign serves as a rallying cry, not only towards the Trump administration but also to unify various stakeholders advocating for Lyme disease awareness. The #MakeLymeLoud campaign aims to create a collaborative environment where future legislative initiatives can flourish, encouraging advocates to engage positively with members of Congress and administration officials.

Additionally, The Quiet Epidemic is leveraging this campaign to enhance public understanding of the epidemic surrounding tick-borne diseases. Their documentary serves as an impactful tool to educate both the public and policymakers, aiming to shed light on the historical context, scientific discoveries, and human experiences relating to chronic illnesses caused by ticks.

In this crucial year for Lyme disease advocacy, the #MakeLymeLoud campaign demonstrates the power of grassroots movements combined with high-profile support. As more individuals share their stories and advocate for change, the hope is that awareness will translate into action, resulting in better health policies that support Lyme disease patients and their families.

For more information and to join this critical conversation, visit The Quiet Epidemic website.