Bega Valley teenager India Hartley's mother contracted Lyme disease over 16 years ago before India was born. Unlike many, India can't recall a time when her mum was bursting with energy and in full health.
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On most days India said her mum finds it difficult to do the normal everyday household chores and said her mother's ongoing fatigue, 'brain fog' and bad memory are just a part of everyday life.
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria passed to humans from tick bites. The disease can impact bodily systems and organs and can mimic the effects of other illnesses, such as, in its "early stage", flu-like symptoms, fever, muscle soreness and unexplained fatigue.
According to the Lyme Disease Association of Australia website the first Australian-acquired case of Lyme disease was reported in 1982, and although there are reports of over half a million new cases of lyme disease each year, recognition that the disease exists in Australia is still controversial, leaving many cases undiagnosed or misdiagnosed and untreated.
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With her first-hand experience with lyme disease and as part of the Youth Frontiers mentoring program, India is organising a Lyme Disease Awareness afternoon to be held in Merimbula on Saturday, September,14.
Through organising the event, India said she hopes people affected by the disease will come together and share their stories to the wider community as away of support and education.
"There are a lot of people [in the region] who have the disease and so many who don't know what it's all about. I am hoping the two will connect and awareness will be raised.
"I think through raising awareness the closer will will get to the disease being fully recognised meaning people like my mum will have access to the right treatment," India said.
Still in the throes of organising, India said she had had secured a lyme disease advocate as a guest speaker on the day, but would like to hear from others with stories to share.
The event will take place from 12-2pm at Booktique, Merimbula on Saturday, September 14. For further information visit the Lyme Disease Awareness Afternoon page on Event Brite.
