Episode 497: LIVE from ILADS: Sharon & Mara Ibanez - Lyme Warrior's Mission to Support Patients

Introduction Tick Boot Camp Podcast goes LIVE from the ILADS Conference with Sharon Ibanez and her daughter Mara, representatives of Lyme Warrior, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources for Lyme disease patients. Sharon and Mara share their personal experiences with Lyme disease and discuss how Lyme Warrior is making a difference in the patient community. Lyme Warrior’s Mission at ILADS Sharon and Mara attend the ILADS conference to build relationships with doctors and healthcare practitioners to improve patient care. Their goal is to foster better communication and collaboration between Lyme patients and providers. Mara’s Lyme Disease Journey Diagnosed with Lyme disease at a young age, Mara shares how it affected her physically and emotionally. She reflects on how an earlier diagnosis could have prevented years of suffering and isolation. Sharon’s Battle with Lyme Disease Sharon recounts her decades-long struggle with misdiagnoses before finally testing positive for Lyme. Symptoms such as chronic migraines, weight loss, and extreme fatigue impacted her daily life. The Challenges of Being a Lyme Parent and Patient Sharon opens up about the difficulty of managing her illness while being a mother. She emphasizes how understanding that Lyme—not her children—was causing her suffering changed her perspective. Lyme Warrior’s Impact: Smile Boxes and Volunteer Work Sharon shares how receiving a Smile Box from Lyme Warrior was a turning point in her healing journey. Mara highlights the emotional impact of these care packages, which help Lyme patients feel seen and supported. How to Support Lyme Warrior Sharon discusses ways to donate, volunteer, or sponsor a Smile Box to help Lyme patients in need. The organization relies on community support to continue making a difference. Resources & Links 🔗 Follow the latest ILADS updates at ILADS.org 🔗 Learn more about Lyme Warrior: LymeWarrior.us 🔗 Stay connected with Tick Boot Camp: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter (X)