Sharon Whiteman is a nurse, a Lyme-like illness sufferer and the president of the Lyme Disease Association of Australia. The LDAA is a registered charity comprised of a small number of volunteers committed to making changes to how Lyme-like illness is viewed, and how patients are treated in Australia. The association undertakes activities in four key areas: information, support, education and awareness. The LDAA’s mission is to: advocate for individuals and families living with Lyme-like illness; educate and seek support from governments, doctors and local communities; act as a conduit between international developments, treatments and other Lyme communities; and fundraise to assist people living with Lyme disease and Lyme-like illness.