This is episode 078 of the Love, Hope, Lyme podcast.

This podcast does not replace medical treatment. If you are suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne disease, please seek proper medical treatment.

Pennsylvania has been called a ground zero of the Lyme disease epidemic in the United States. On this episode of the Love, Hope, Lyme Podcast, Fred Diamond speaks with two powerful advocates who are working to change that reality. Eric Huck and Amy Tiehel from the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network share their deeply personal Lyme journeys and explain why advocacy, education, and community support are critical for Lyme survivors and their families.

Eric's story began in 2009 after a tick bite while hiking the Appalachian Trail. Despite early treatment, his health rapidly deteriorated and he was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease along with multiple co-infections including Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichiosis, and Anaplasmosis. His experience navigating the healthcare system ultimately led him to help build one of the largest Lyme advocacy organizations in the state.

Amy's journey began while she was living in Los Angeles. After years of debilitating symptoms, Bell's palsy, and visits to more than 25 doctors, she was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesia. Her experience with misdiagnosis and medical dismissal pushed her into advocacy so that other patients would not have to navigate the system alone.

In this powerful conversation, we discuss:

• Why Pennsylvania has become a Lyme disease hotspot • The mission of the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network • The challenges patients face with diagnosis and treatment • The mental and emotional toll Lyme takes on families • Prevention through the Dare 2B Tick Aware education program • What must change to improve care for Lyme survivors

Eric and Amy also share details about the Pennsylvania Lyme Patient Conference taking place April 18 in King of Prussia, where patients, doctors, and advocates will gather to learn, connect, and support one another. Learn more about the Pennsylvania Lyme Patient Conference: https://palyme.org