Waterloo Region Lyme Disease Support Group
Our Goal is to raise awareness about Lyme Disease, the devastating effects it can have, how to prevent it and recovery support for those who may already have been impacted by it.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. Humans usually get Lyme disease from the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria. Ticks that can carry borrelia bacteria live throughout most of the United States. But Lyme disease is most common in the upper Midwest and the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states. It's also common in Europe and in south central and southeastern Canada.
You're at risk of Lyme disease if you spend time where the ticks live, such as grassy, brushy or wooded areas. Taking safety measures in these areas can lower the risk of Lyme disease.*
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In addition, ticks are now being found in leaf piles, playground areas, and anywhere
that woody debris of any sort is accumulated.
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Leanne Stapley
Waterloo Lyme Disease Support Group Founder
Bitten in 2011 I endured the ravages of Lyme disease for more than 12 years. Some of the symptoms included migraine, dizziness, brain fog, full body but random pain, large and small muscle twitches, memory loss ( both short term and long term), balance issues making a cane necessary, and even a loss of ability to read. There wasn't a miracle pill but rather a long journey that has led me to wellness and in some instances even better health than before I was bitten by that hungry little nymph tick. (full story link here?)
Now that I have been free of Lyme Disease for over a year, I’m able to work, I've gone back to school. I enjoy my time with family and friends, reading, baking, and zooming around town in the Miata! I went back to school to become a Certified Health Coach which helps me when I'm talking to other folks with Lyme disease. I use my book knowledge, my first hand knowledge and all of the stories shared with me by other Lyme Disease sufferers the in the hope of helping others have much less arduous journey than I did.
Contact
Leanne is a Lyme Disease warrior experiencing increasing levels of wellness ongoing and is committed to raising awareness and providing support to those impacted by Lyme Disease.