This is episode 64 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

To get your free pdf of "Love, Hope, Lyme: What Family Members, Partners, and Friends Who Love a Chronic Lyme Survivor Need to Know," reach out to Fred Diamond on social media.

[NOTE: This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you struggle with Lyme care, please see a Lyme Literate Medical Doctor.]

🎙️ In this powerful episode of Love, Hope, Lyme, Fred Diamond sits down with Kristen Harris, Education and Grants Manager at the Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), to explore the vital role of mentoring in the Lyme disease community.

Kristen shares her deeply personal Lyme journey beginning with a tick bite at just 8 years old in New York and how decades of struggle with fatigue, neurological issues, chronic pain, and misdiagnosis ultimately led her to remission, relapse, and finally to a place of giving back.

At GLA, Kristen now helps lead the Peer-to-Peer Mentor Program, connecting Lyme survivors, caregivers, and family members with mentors who have walked this difficult path before them. These mentors don't provide medical treatment but they do offer something just as powerful: understanding, compassion, and emotional support.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

💚 Why Lyme survivors seek mentors while other illnesses rarely do

💚 How the GLA mentorship program supports both patients and caregivers

💚 The rigorous process mentors go through to prepare for this role

💚 The unique challenges of the Lyme journey, from misdiagnosis to isolation

💚 Kristen's insights on why community support is more needed than ever

✨ Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or advocate, this conversation is a reminder that no one should walk the Lyme journey alone.

🔗 Learn more about GLA's resources and mentorship program: https://www.gla.org