By Terri McCormick

The final day to register for this year’s Virtual Advocacy Day is January 30. The event itself is February 18. Click here to sign up.

If you or someone you love has been affected by Lyme disease or tick-borne illness, you already understand how isolating and overwhelming this journey can feel. Many of us spend years searching for answers, navigating misdiagnosis, and fighting for care that truly addresses what’s happening in our bodies.

What many people don’t realize is that change doesn’t only happen in doctors’ offices and research labs. It also happens when everyday patients, parents, caregivers, and advocates come together to make sure our voices are heard.

That’s where Center for Lyme Action comes in.

Why advocacy matters

Lyme disease is a growing public health crisis. The CDC estimates that nearly half a million new cases of Lyme disease occur each year in the United States. Yet despite how common and life-altering this illness is, patients still face major gaps in testing, treatment options, and research funding.

These gaps affect real people. They delay diagnoses. They leave families without clear answers. They force patients to fight for care that should be readily available.

Advocacy is one of the most powerful tools we have to change that.

The power of strength in numbers

Center for Lyme Action represents the largest organized network of Lyme disease advocates working at the federal level. When lawmakers hear from hundreds of constituents across the country, Lyme disease becomes harder to ignore.

One voice matters. But hundreds of voices together create momentum.

That’s why participation is so important. Every volunteer strengthens the collective message.

What is Virtual Advocacy Day

Virtual Advocacy Day brings advocates together from across the country to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff to ask for:

• Increased federal funding for Lyme and tick-borne disease research • Better diagnostics and treatment options • Stronger prevention efforts • Recognition of emerging conditions such as alpha-gal syndrome

These group meetings happen virtually via Zoom, making participation accessible no matter where you live or what your schedule looks like.

Virtual Advocacy Day takes place on Wednesday, February 18.

The time commitment is manageable

One of the most common concerns people have is, “I don’t have time to be an advocate.”

The good news is that you don’t have to make a huge time commitment to make a meaningful impact.

Training is provided. You are supported every step of the way. Meetings are scheduled in flexible time slots, and many participants are able to join during breaks in their workday or at times that fit their schedule.

You don’t need to be a policy expert. You just need to be willing to show up and share why Lyme disease matters.

Why so many people stay involved

Advocacy isn’t just about policy. It’s also about community.

As a state co-lead for Illinois, I have seen firsthand how powerful it is when people come together with a shared purpose. Participants work in small, state-based teams, and over time, many advocates form real friendships. We support one another through health challenges, share resources, and celebrate progress together.

Being part of Center for Lyme Action means being surrounded by people who truly understand what this disease takes from individuals and families. It means no longer feeling isolated. It means knowing your story is heard and that your experience can help shape change.

Advocacy has connected me with people who inspire me, challenge me, and remind me why this work matters. It has given me hope. And it has shown me that even small efforts, when multiplied across hundreds of advocates, can lead to real, lasting impact.

Real impact, real results

Because of consistent advocacy, federal Lyme funding has increased by more than half a billion dollars. That progress didn’t happen by accident. It happened because ordinary people showed up, spoke up, and stayed engaged.

This is proof that advocacy works.

Registration is open

The last day to register for Virtual Advocacy Day is January 30.

Center for Lyme Action still needs volunteers, and now is the time to step forward.

If you have ever wished you could do something to improve the future for Lyme patients, this is a meaningful way to help.

Click here for training schedules and full event details. 

Register here. 

Join us

Together, we are stronger. Together, we are heard. Be part of the movement. Your voice matters.

Terri McCormick is a writer and advocate with LymeDisease.org. She is author of the forthcoming book Being Misdiagnosed: Stories That Reveal the Hidden Epidemic of Lyme Disease.