Go Outside

Dear friends,

Speak your mind even if your voice shakes. Right?

I didn’t want to share this. I debated with myself and with others for a very long time.

You see, I don’t like labels. I don’t want to be known for anything other than being Joyce.

I’m not sure why this story is harder to share than it was with the MCS. It just somehow feels more personal, or maybe talking about it, makes it too real. Maybe it’s because when I look at other people online who are battling illness, they all seem to be winning that battle. I felt like my story wouldn’t count until I climbed the summit, but that’s silly. It needs to be told because people need to know the reality of this horrific illness and what it can do. More importantly, what you can do to protect yourself.

We’re often told that Lyme disease is hard to get and easy to treat. But it’s actually very easy to get and VERY hard to treat. It isn’t just a rash and a little flu bug that goes away with a round of antibiotics. I’d like to set the record straight.

Please, if you are so inclined, keep an eye out for future videos. If my shaking voice prevents even one person from getting sick, it will be worth it. There has to be value in being in the midst of a battle, not knowing how it will end.

Or maybe it’s just the beginning of a beautiful new adventure.

It’s time to get louder about Lyme disease.