Background on CanLyme
Founded in 2003 by Jim Wilson, the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) strives to inform the public about Lyme disease symptoms, prevention methods and treatment options.
Wilson was infected with Lyme disease in 1991, and for years he struggled to obtain proper diagnosis. Sadly, many Lyme victims share Wilson’s story, so in 2003, he founded CanLyme as a public resource to supplement the provincial and federal information available.
Lyme disease is a devastating illness caused by a spirochaete-type bacterium transmitted by ticks. Lyme is difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat, as it shares symptoms with a variety of other serious diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Before 1990, the Canadian medical community had limited knowledge about Lyme disease. During the past 20 years, scientific knowledge has improved significantly, and Canadian testing and treatment standards have somewhat adapted. While the testing available is still not to international standards, more Canadian doctors are successfully diagnosing and treating Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a complex illness, and more research is needed to properly diagnose and treat the infection. As a result, many doctors follow the treatment guidelines laid out by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). But these standard procedures don’t cover the full spectrum of treatment that many patients need. The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) strives to educate doctors and government officials about the struggles of living with Lyme disease, and the long-term affects of the illness.
Informing the Canadian public, and federal government about the latest research into therapies is just one of the services provided by CanLyme. To fulfill its mandate to push for advances in medical treatment, the foundation attempts to connect doctors with researchers and patients globally.
Lyme disease is endemic in many parts of Canada. Knowing the risk factors and the symptoms of Lyme will help you to avoid becoming infected. Visit the CanLyme website at www.canlyme.com to learn more.
Lyme disease is on the rise in Canada, yet treatment and public awareness are largely inadequate. CanLyme is dedicated to raising awareness and promoting Lyme research, education and treatment.