When Lyme Steals a Future: One Family’s Fight Back

Author and advocate Jody Hudson joins Lessons From Living to share the powerful story behind her book, “My Promise to Alex,” and the legacy she’s building after losing her 22-year-old daughter, Alex, to late-diagnosed Lyme disease. Jody recounts a decade-long medical mystery, 40 doctors, false negatives on outdated tests, and the painful reality of “invisible illness” and medical gaslighting. She explains early Lyme symptoms (summer-flu feelings, joint pain, brain fog, digestive issues), why only some patients get a bullseye rash, and how timely antibiotics after a tick bite can change everything.Jody also opens up about caregiving, faith, and resilience; advocating inside a complex medical system; and helping kids develop empathy and selflessness through real-world service. You’ll hear how Alex’s competitive spirit, big heart for the homeless, and deepening faith continue to inspire Jody’s advocacy and foundation work.What you’ll learn:Early signs of Lyme disease and why testing can miss itHow to advocate for a loved one amid misdiagnosisPractical support ideas for caregiversWays to nurture empathy and service in kidsIf this episode resonates, share it with someone navigating chronic or “invisible” illness, and subscribe for more conversations that turn hardship into hope.