‘We can teach each other’ [The Frederick News-Post, Md.]

Nov. 11--More than 200 people gathered Sunday in Frederick for a conference to help people with Lyme disease.

In 2012, more than 1,600 Lyme disease cases were reported in Maryland, according to the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Of those cases, 117 were reported in Frederick County. In 2011, the county reported 63 cases.

My LymeLight Foundation Inc., an advocacy group based in Frederick, sponsored the event, which was a first for the foundation, according to Dr. Linda Potts, who said the group is on a mission to help people diagnosed with Lyme disease and their caregivers.

"There hasn't been any help and education for people who have Lyme disease," Potts said, noting that the foundation would like to eventually offer grants to help people with their medical treatment.

Lyme disease is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition to spreading awareness about the disease, the foundation plans to connect people with Lyme-literate health care providers that practice both eastern and western philosophies. It also plans to help Lyme disease patients find financial resources.

"When you've lost your job and you have lost insurance, it gets very overwhelming, challenging and frustrating," Potts said.

She was clinically diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2002. On Sunday, she shared her story with others battling the disease.

"We have a lot more control over Lyme disease than we realize because a lot of it is attitude," Potts told an attentive crowd.

Rachel Zigler, of Frederick, agreed. She was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2008. In the beginning, her journey was not easy. Zigler thought she was going to lose her life.

"I remember thinking I was going die, and I really don't why I didn't," Zigler said, noting that her faith gave her strength.

Since her diagnosis, she has become motivated to help others in anyway that she can. She has spread a message of hope to others with the disease.

Messages of hope, education and awareness were heard throughout the conference. Dr. Norton L. Fishman, of Rockville, served as Sunday's keynote speaker. He has treated patients with Lyme disease for nearly a decade.

"There is a lot to learn from this illness, and we can teach each other," Fishman said. "It feels good that more and more people are understanding what's happening, and they realize that the people who have this are not alone."

Follow Cara R. Anthony on Twitter: @CaraRAnthony.

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