Pediatric Lyme Disease

 Lyme disease is 10 times more common than previously reported, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced.
As many as 300,000 Americans are actually diagnosed with Lyme disease each year, said the CDC, which previously had put the number at 20,000 to 30,000. The better estimate was based on actual lab surveys and reviews of insurance information. There is not yet an FDA approved test for this microbe, but it's expected within the next year. To continue the work of the New York District Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation which is treatment, medication and education, funds are needed. There are a few ways in which you can help raise the funds needed.
One way for us to raise funds is through the Brittany Fellowship Award. This fellowship is named after DPLG Joseph Wuest's granddaughter, Brittany Mezzancello, who has chronic Lyme disease and who by-the-way receives no funds from the foundation. The cost is $500 for which you will receive a plaque, medallion and a pin all in her likeness.
For information on the Brittany Fellowship contact Pediatric Lyme Disease VP/Treasurer DPG John Gridley at hmteam2316@verizon.net or call (516) 488-1132.
A second way is the Joseph Michael Wuest Fellowship. This award is open to our Sponsored Youth Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs alike. The cost is $150 for the Sponsored Youth and $400 for Kiwanis Clubs, for which you will receive five certificates, a banner patch, and pins. The contact for this award is Mickie Leamey at (516) 993-4246.
A third way is the new Emerald Brittany lapel pin. This cost $250, for which you receive a beautiful pin with room to add additional emeralds however, you must have already received the Brittany Fellowship. The contact is Rose Marie Gridley at hmteam2316@verizon.net or call (516) 352-6105.
These are inexpensive ways to honor a Kiwanian or any individual and help young children with Lyme disease.
Also, the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation's Service Leadership Committee entered into its second year supporting the mission of the PLD Foundation. This committee is comprised of Key Clubbers and Circle Kers from all over the District. The committee is co-chaired by Circle K Governor Kelly Chan and Key Club Governor Paul. The committee meets online once every month. The committee is currently planning its second Pediatric Lyme Disease Awareness Week for Feb. 3-9, 2014. (More information will follow as we get closer to the date). This special week encourages Sponsored Youth Clubs and Kiwanis Clubs to fund raise for and share information about Pediatric Lyme Disease. The committee has also been a resource for the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation on the use of technology to generate support for the cause. Kiwanis Clubs are asked to contact their sponsored Circle K and Key Clubs to find out if they have representation on the PLD-SLC. The Key Club and Circle K Divisions without representation on the Pediatric Lyme Disease SL Committee are asked to contact their respective governor or the PLD Service Leadership Chair Rich Santer at rs2wdld@aol.com to join the committee.
If you know any child with Lyme disease that needs financial assistance to pay for treatment and/or medications please contact me or any member of the Pediatric Lyme Foundation Board. As always, remember, the main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing. In this case the main thing is helping children and that is what we do.

Column Posted on Web Site November 10, 2013