James Stewart Evans is a seasoned actor with experience in film, television, commercials, and songwriting. But beyond his work in entertainment, he plays another important role—that as father to a daughter battling chronic Lyme disease.

Years ago, his daughter was bitten by a tick in California and he carefully removed it from behind her ear. There was no bull’s-eye rash nor other sign of infection.

Life went on, seemingly unaffected. She thrived academically, earning two college degrees in just four years, passing the CPA exam on her first attempt, and securing a promising job.

However, after two years of high-pressure work, her health suddenly collapsed. Chronic fatigue, brain fog, and excruciating pain took hold, making the tasks of daily life unbearable. Unable to continue working, she sought answers from various doctors and was eventually diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease.

She’s seen several Lyme specialists and has undergone various treatments since then. He says she’s better in some ways but still not well. The financial burden has been overwhelming. “Medical bills are through the roof,” Evans explains. “So we sold our house, downsized, and moved closer to her.”

This deeply personal experience led him to write Lyme, a song dedicated to raising awareness about the illness.

“I’m shocked at how little people know about Lyme,” he says. Through his music, he hopes to shed light on the struggles faced by those living with Lyme disease and inspire greater understanding and advocacy.

Click below to listen to his song and scroll down to read the lyrics.

Lyme

By James Stewart Evans

People don’t know how really sick you are

Nothing too noticeable, and no ugly Scar.

To some you look great, can’t possibly be ill

Say if you don’t feel well, just take a pill

It might start out as a great day for a hike

The problem starts with just one little bite

Completely unfelt, maybe days to discover

It lurks hidden in areas, using hair as a cover.

Chorus

The lifestyle changes, the disastrous effects

The pain the suffering the lives that it wrecks.

The tick is the culprit, much smaller than a dime.

One bite can cause it, the disease is called ….Lyme.

Doesn’t jump or fly, it just patiently waits

Til you slowly walk by, simple brush by, it takes

It knows you are coming, its senses are keen

Your breath, your odor, your moisture to glean.

The exhaustion, the pain, the concentration lost

The rashes, the burning, the monetary cost.

Insurance doesn’t cover it, most doctors don’t know

The cause of the symptoms, the costs only grow.

Bridge

To look for a bull’s-eye, it’s not always true

It may be that simple…, but sometimes no clue.

The supplements, the treatments can go on for years

Sometimes they work, but sometimes bring tears.

Outro

Research is important, it doesn’t come fast

How can you help? You just have to ask.

The thousands that suffer, and future generations too

Will appreciate your help and be thankful to you.

Chorus

The lifestyle changes, the disastrous effects

The pain the suffering the lives that it wrecks.

The tick is the culprit, much smaller than a dime.

One bite can cause it, the disease is called ….Lyme

LET’S FIND A CURE!

Hear more songs by James Stewart Evans at his website.

TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, President of LymeDisease.org. She is co-author of Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease and of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.