Farmingville, NY - On August 9, Councilwoman Jane Bonner (right) co-sponsored the Lyme Education Tour that made stops at Diamond in the Pines Park in Coram and Cedar Beach in Mount Sinai. The events were presented by the Lyme Education Awareness Foundation (LEAF). Lyme Disease is the fastest growing vector-borne illness in the world, affecting hundreds-of-thousands in the United States alone each year. There is no definitive test for Lyme Disease and there is no cure. Pictured with Councilwoman Bonner are LEAF founder Dr. Nancy Fox (left) and Lyme Disease advocate Cassidy Colbert (center).
Councilwoman Bonner said, “Thank you to Dr. Fox for bringing this very informative program to the children of Brookhaven Town. Lyme Disease is spreading, especially among young people, and it is important that they be educated about prevention and tick bites.”
Ms. Colbert was diagnosed with Lyme Disease at the age of 14 and has made it her mission to spread awareness about the disease that changed her life. She has testified in front of the Maryland State House and Senate to get a bill passed in 2016, and was featured in a video about her advocacy efforts to educate and prevent kids like her from getting this life-altering illness.
LEAF founder, Dr. Nancy Fox, was diagnosed with Lyme Disease in 2003 and never imagined how much her life would change. Once diagnosed, she quickly learned how little knowledge there was about Lyme Disease, so she decided to change that. As an educator for the past 25 years, Dr. Fox made it her mission to educate others about Lyme Disease and has created a full curriculum for levels K through 12. Now, Dr. Fox is taking this curriculum on the road! Dr. Fox will be going to over 15 states, and teaching thousands about Lyme Disease and prevention in the next few months. This is all done by volunteer efforts and funded by donations and sponsorship.
The LEAF presentation offered activities for children to help them learn the important safety habits and to be aware of and prevent tick bites and diseases. Education is essential in combating Lyme Disease which is spreading among our youth. The LEAF program is offered to youngsters ages 5 to 14. Each child that attended the presentation received a "No-Ticks-Please" sling backpack filled with an education and fun packet, tick ID cards and more. For more information, visit the LEAF website.
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