Lyme Disease Resource Center, Inc.

The Lyme Disease Resource Center, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and resources to individuals affected by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, as well as their caregivers.

History

Founded in 2013 by Maria Malaguti, who contracted Lyme disease and co-infections in 1997, the organization is an all-volunteer, community-based 501(c)(3) entity. Malaguti's experience with chronic illness motivated her to create a supportive environment for those facing similar challenges[1][2].

Mission

The Lyme Disease Resource Center aims to be a peer-guided, supportive, and safe space for individuals affected by Lyme disease. It shares strategies and resources to enhance well-being and quality of life for both patients and their caregivers[1][5]. The organization advocates for improved education, knowledge, treatment, and awareness of tick-borne diseases[1].

Services

• Support Groups: Peer-led groups offer a safe environment for individuals and their caregivers to share experiences and support each other[2].
• Holistic Therapies: These are provided free of charge to clients and their care partners, focusing on holistic approaches to wellness[2].
• Peer Counseling: One-on-one counseling is available for personalized support[2].
• Educational Resources: The center provides educational materials, forums, and workshops to educate the community about tick-borne diseases[1][2].

Governance

The organization has a diverse board of directors, which includes members such as Alison Wisher, Maria Malaguti, Dr. J. Patrick O'Grady, Nellie Wilson, and Krista Nugent. The board ensures an inclusive recruitment process and practices ethical governance[3].

Impact

By offering free services and support, the Lyme Disease Resource Center addresses the needs of an underserved population affected by tick-borne illnesses. It plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and education about Lyme disease, which is increasingly prevalent due to climate change and tick population increases[1][3].

[1] https://www.lymedrc.org/about/ [2] https://www.lymedrc.org [3] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/46-3986105 [4] https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/org669089.jsp [5] https://app.candid.org/profile/9329757