By Sophia Sargent

My family’s journey with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases has been anything but straightforward. We faced crisis after crisis, confusion at every turn, and a desperate search for answers.

From unexplained chest pains with no cardiac findings to mental‑health challenges and severe food sensitivities, each of us—my brother, sister, mother, and myself—received a diagnosis between 2017 and 2023.

I’m a 24-year-old media professional based in New Hampshire. I work in the Boston market as a television host on the New England Sports Network and host a radio show on 96.5 Live Free Country.

I also enjoy creating social‑media content and have had opportunities to model in both Boston and New York City. This year, I’m honored to serve as Miss New Hampshire Volunteer 2026, representing my state and community.

On the outside, I look like a thriving young woman—and in many ways, I am. I’m passionate about pursuing a healthy, active lifestyle and sharing what I learn with others. But appearances don’t always reveal the full story.

Behind the scenes, I’ve been dealing with Lyme, Babesia and Bartonella for several years. Showing up for work each day—mentally sharp, energetic, and camera-ready—became one of the biggest challenges of my career as I fought through brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues, and a constant feeling of being mentally “elsewhere.”

Finally, a diagnosis that made sense

My mom was the first to uncover the truth within our family. After countless appointments and unexplained symptoms, she finally received a diagnosis that brought everything into focus: Lyme disease.

It was shocking to understand how someone in her early 40s—once a track star and fitness competitor—could suddenly feel like she was having a heart attack. Her experience pushed each of us toward more in-depth testing, ultimately revealing tick-borne illness in every member of our household.

The story of Lyme is long, and our family’s journey could fill hours. What matters most today is moving forward—and helping others do the same. I’m incredibly grateful to have platforms across television, radio, social media, and the pageant community, and I’ve made it my mission to ensure no one has to face the same confusion, dismissal, or lack of awareness that we did.

Recently, I joined forces with the Center for Lyme Action to lobby Congress in Washington, D.C. I met with my US Representative, Chris Pappas, advocating for stronger federal funding for Lyme disease.

I also had the opportunity to attend the Project Lab Coat show during New York Fashion Week, highlighting designers and innovators committed to science-driven causes.

One of the most meaningful steps I’ve taken is creating Tick Talk (@letstalkticks), a social media page on Tiktok and Instagram aimed at making education and prevention accessible to everyone. With so many people struggling to find accurate, up-to-date information, my hope is to build a trusted hub for community, clarity, and conversation.

I feel incredibly blessed to be able to work, move my body, and continue thriving today—and I’m mindful that many have experienced Lyme disease far more severely than I did.

Prevention is key

That’s why prevention is one of the core pillars of my service as Miss New Hampshire Volunteer 2026. If we can help families prevent Lyme disease from the start, we can spare them years of uncertainty and pain. Children ages 3–14 are the most affected, simply because they play outside the most—and they don’t always know to check for ticks.

As I continue my year of service, my mission is clear: make prevention easy to understand, make education widely accessible, and make conversations about tick-borne illness normal.

No one should have to navigate Lyme disease alone. When we equip families—especially children—with awareness and information, we can help stop Lyme disease before it starts.

Together, we can build a healthier future for everyone.