Episode 596: $500 Million for Lyme Research & the Fight for Federal Action – Megan Bradshaw | LIVE from ILADS
Can a Lyme disease patient who spent three years bedridden help change federal health policy for millions of people?
In this LIVE from ILADS interview, Tick Boot Camp reunites with Meghan Bradshaw, MPH, Lyme disease survivor, public health advocate, and leader at Center for Lyme Action, for an inspiring conversation about Lyme disease advocacy, federal research funding, proposed legislation, and the power of turning personal suffering into lasting change.
After years of misdiagnosis and debilitating tick-borne illness, Meghan spent approximately three years bedridden, underwent numerous orthopedic surgeries, and experienced profound losses of independence and mobility.
Yet while rebuilding her body, she returned to school, pursued a career in public health, and became a federal lobbyist working to prevent other patients from experiencing the same suffering.
At the time of this October 2025 interview, Meghan served as Government Relations Manager at Center for Lyme Action. She subsequently became the organization's Executive Director in January 2026.
During this conversation, Meghan discusses how Center for Lyme Action grew to more than 10,000 advocates, helped secure over $500 million in cumulative federal funding increases, and began advancing legislative proposals that could improve Lyme disease prevention, diagnostics, research, and public health policy.
Her message is powerful: You don't have to be healthy, wealthy, politically connected, or even able to leave your bed to help change the future of Lyme disease.
For the complete story of Meghan's personal battle with Lyme disease, listen to Episode 196: The Bionic Woman – An Interview with Meghan Bradshaw.
From Lyme Disease Patient to Federal Lobbyist
Before becoming a national health policy advocate, Meghan Bradshaw was a patient fighting to survive.
She describes experiencing devastating physical and emotional consequences after years of misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
At her worst, Meghan spent approximately three years bedridden.
Her illness was associated with extensive joint damage, repeated surgeries, and significant loss of mobility.
She describes undergoing major orthopedic procedures approximately every three months during part of her recovery.
Her body was being reconstructed with titanium and cobalt.
But as she explains to Rich, the emotional consequences were equally profound.
She had lost her independence, autonomy, and much of the life she previously recognized.
Still, she believed she could build a meaningful future.
That belief eventually led her toward public health and federal policy.
Hear Meghan's complete journey in The Bionic Woman – Episode 196.
Why Meghan Went Back to School During Lyme Treatment
While recovering from surgery and undergoing treatment, Meghan made a decision that would change her life.
She returned to school.
As her cognitive symptoms improved, she became increasingly interested in understanding why so many patients experienced similar problems with diagnosis, treatment, and access to care.
She didn't believe those patterns were simply coincidences.
She wanted to understand the underlying systems and identify opportunities to change them.
Meghan pursued graduate education in public health, developing the knowledge and skills needed to address Lyme disease through research, advocacy, and policy.
For Meghan, education became more than a career investment.
It became a source of purpose during recovery.
She wanted to help build a healthcare system in which future patients wouldn't have to endure the same suffering.
What Is Center for Lyme Action?
Center for Lyme Action is a national 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing federal funding and advancing policy solutions for Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
Its work focuses on strengthening the federal government's ability to:
- Prevent tick-borne diseases
- Improve disease detection and diagnosis
- Support research into better treatments
- Expand public health surveillance
- Improve education and awareness
- Fund scientific innovation
- Respond to emerging vector-borne health threats
As a 501(c)(4) organization, Center for Lyme Action can engage extensively in lobbying activities.
Meghan explains that she works directly with members of Congress, congressional staff, and federal agencies to communicate the needs of patients and the scientific community.
The goal is to translate patient experiences into federal policies and funding decisions that can improve public health.
Meet Center for Lyme Action Founder Bonnie Crater
To understand how this advocacy movement began, listen to Episode 378: Center for Lyme Action – An Interview with Bonnie Crater.
In that conversation, Tick Boot Camp explores the organization's origins, mission, and strategy for increasing federal investment in Lyme disease and tick-borne illness research.
Together, Bonnie's and Meghan's interviews illustrate how a growing network of advocates is working to turn patient experiences into measurable policy progress.
More Than $500 Million in Federal Funding Increases
One of the most significant milestones discussed in this interview is Center for Lyme Action's role in securing increased federal investment.
Meghan reports that the organization's collective advocacy efforts helped generate more than $500 million in cumulative increases in federal funding for Lyme disease and other tick-borne conditions over several years.
This represents funding increases across federal programs, not a single grant or one research project.
Federal funding supports many different activities, including scientific research, prevention, public health infrastructure, surveillance, and efforts to develop better diagnostics and treatments.
Meghan credits the organization's advocates, partner organizations, researchers, clinicians, and congressional allies for helping make this progress possible.
She believes these achievements demonstrate what coordinated, persistent advocacy can accomplish.
A National Network of More Than 10,000 Lyme Advocates
Center for Lyme Action's advocacy network had grown to more than 10,000 participants at the time of this interview.
Meghan explains that advocates represented all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
These participants help communicate directly with elected officials about how Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses affect their communities.
Some share personal stories.
Others participate in letter-writing campaigns.
Some meet with congressional offices.
Others join virtual advocacy events.
Together, these voices help demonstrate that tick-borne diseases are national public health concerns requiring sustained attention.
How Lyme Patients Can Advocate From Bed
One of the most important parts of this conversation addresses people who are still severely ill.
Rich asks how someone who is bedridden, cognitively impaired, or struggling with overwhelming fatigue can contribute to advocacy.
Meghan understands that challenge personally.
She knows what it feels like to have limited energy and little capacity for additional responsibilities.
That's why Center for Lyme Action works to make participation accessible.
Advocates can use prepared letters, talking points, scripts, and virtual opportunities rather than having to develop everything themselves.
For example, a patient may be able to enter basic contact information into an advocacy campaign and send a prepared message to their elected representatives.
Meghan emphasizes that people shouldn't have to expend precious energy figuring out how to communicate complicated policy issues.
The organization works to make those steps easier.
Even a small action can contribute to a much larger collective effort.
Explore Center for Lyme Action's advocacy opportunities.
Five Federal Legislative Priorities Discussed at ILADS
Meghan highlights five legislative initiatives being pursued at the time of the October 2025 interview.
These proposals address different aspects of the tick-borne disease crisis, from federal research funding to public health technology and food allergen labeling.
The proposals discussed were not all enacted laws. Their status may have changed since the interview.
1. Kay Hagan Tick Act Reauthorization
The Kay Hagan Tick Act was originally signed into law in 2019 to strengthen the federal response to vector-borne diseases.
The legislation supports coordinated efforts involving research, surveillance, prevention, and public health programs.
Meghan explains that reauthorization was among Center for Lyme Action's legislative priorities.
Continued authorization and appropriations can help sustain the infrastructure needed to respond to Lyme disease and other tick-borne threats.
2. STAMP Act: A Postage Stamp Supporting Lyme Research
The proposed STAMP Act would establish a special postage stamp intended to generate additional funding for Lyme disease and tick-borne disease research.
Meghan describes the concept as a way to direct proceeds from stamp purchases toward research supported through the National Institutes of Health.
The idea creates another potential mechanism for supporting scientific investigation while increasing public awareness.
3. BITE Act: Tick-Borne Disease Risk Alerts
The proposed BITE Act would explore using technology to alert people when they are entering areas with elevated vector-borne disease risks.
Meghan compares the concept to the alerts people already receive for severe weather or other emergencies.
Imagine receiving a notification on your phone warning that your current area presents increased risk for tick-borne or mosquito-borne disease exposure.
Such a system could also provide practical prevention guidance.
The goal would be to help people make informed decisions before exposure occurs.
4. Tick Identification Pilot Program Act
The proposed Tick Identification Pilot Program Act would establish grants supporting state-level tick identification services.
Meghan describes a system in which someone could photograph a tick and submit the image to a participating state public health agency.
Under the proposal discussed, a public health professional would respond within approximately 72 hours with information about the tick species and diseases it may carry.
This could help patients and clinicians better understand potential exposure risks and determine appropriate next steps.
Tick identification alone cannot determine whether a person has been infected, but it may provide useful information for clinical evaluation.
5. Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act
The proposed Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act would improve food labeling for people living with alpha-gal syndrome.
Alpha-gal syndrome is a potentially serious allergic condition associated with certain tick bites.
Affected individuals may react to mammalian-derived ingredients, making food and product labeling particularly important.
Meghan explains that clearer labeling could reduce the burden of deciphering unfamiliar ingredient names and help people avoid potentially dangerous exposures.
Why Federal Policy Matters to Lyme Patients
For someone living with chronic symptoms, congressional legislation may initially feel far removed from daily life.
Meghan explains why the connection is much closer than it appears.
Federal decisions influence funding for research, public health programs, disease surveillance, diagnostic innovation, prevention, and clinical studies.
These decisions can affect the resources available to researchers and the tools eventually available to clinicians and patients.
Meghan's own experiences shaped her understanding of what was missing from the healthcare system.
She believes stronger policies, better diagnostics, and greater clinical awareness could have changed the trajectory of her illness.
Now she is working to make those resources more accessible to others.
Turning Pain Into Purpose
Rich and Meghan have known each other for years.
Their relationship began when Meghan was sharing her personal Lyme disease story and developing her voice as an advocate.
Since then, Rich has watched her return to school, expand her public health expertise, and become a national policy leader.
During the interview, he reflects on how meaningful it has been to witness younger advocates transform their experiences into service.
Meghan describes advocacy as part of her own healing.
She cannot undo everything that happened to her.
But she can work to change the systems that contributed to her suffering.
That gives her a sense of agency and purpose.
She explains that illness clarified what matters most to her and helped shape the work she wants to do with her life.
Rebuilding a Life After Severe Lyme Disease
Meghan is candid about the fact that her life did not simply return to what it was before illness.
She experienced lasting physical consequences and underwent extensive orthopedic reconstruction.
Her recovery required adapting to a different reality.
But she also came to believe that a changed life could still be meaningful.
Returning to school, developing her career, and serving other patients helped her rebuild a sense of identity.
Her story challenges the idea that recovery must mean returning to every aspect of a person's previous life.
For some people, healing also involves discovering new possibilities, new roles, and new ways to contribute.
Why Every Advocate's Talent Matters
Meghan emphasizes that there is no single correct way to advocate.
Some people are gifted storytellers.
Others understand science.
Some are experienced communicators, organizers, or healthcare professionals.
Others have skills in fundraising, research, education, or public policy.
Meghan mentions advocates including Ali Moresco, Nicole Bell, and Lindsay Keys as examples of people bringing different talents to the community.
Her message is that progress becomes possible when people contribute what they can.
Not everyone needs to become a lobbyist.
Not everyone needs to speak publicly.
And not everyone needs to devote their career to advocacy.
There is value in every contribution.
Patient Stories Can Influence Congress
Meghan shares that many congressional offices have personal connections to Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses.
During meetings, lawmakers or staff members have sometimes revealed that they or close family members have been affected.
Those experiences can help create understanding across political and geographic differences.
Meghan believes productive, respectful conversations are essential.
The objective is not simply to demand attention.
It is to help elected officials understand the scale of the problem, the gaps in the current response, and the opportunities for meaningful action.
That includes explaining what patients are experiencing and why federal investments matter.
Why Bipartisan Lyme Advocacy Matters
Tick-borne diseases do not distinguish between political affiliations.
They affect people across the country, regardless of party, income, age, or background.
Center for Lyme Action emphasizes a bipartisan approach to federal advocacy.
Meghan's work involves communicating with members of Congress and federal officials who may hold different political views but share concerns about public health, scientific research, and disease prevention.
Building those relationships can help create durable support for Lyme disease priorities.
The goal is progress that can continue across changing political administrations and congressional sessions.
Two Ways Patients Can Contribute to Progress
Rich highlights two accessible opportunities that Tick Boot Camp frequently encourages patients to explore.
1. Contribute to MyLymeData
The MyLymeData patient-powered research registry allows patients to share information about their experiences with Lyme disease.
Aggregated patient-reported information can help researchers better understand symptoms, diagnostic challenges, treatment experiences, and quality of life.
2. Participate in Center for Lyme Action
Through Center for Lyme Action, patients and supporters can participate in advocacy campaigns, communicate with elected officials, and help support efforts to increase federal investment.
Meghan explains that membership is available, but paid membership is not required to participate in the organization's advocacy activities.
These opportunities allow people to contribute through either patient-powered research or federal advocacy—or both.
The Future of Lyme Disease Research and Treatment
Meghan is optimistic about the momentum building around Lyme disease.
She points to increased federal funding, expanding advocacy networks, growing attention from policymakers, and proposed legislation as signs of meaningful progress.
She also emphasizes that significant work remains.
Patients still need better diagnostics.
Researchers need greater support.
Clinicians need improved tools.
And people experiencing persistent symptoms need more effective, evidence-based treatment options.
The progress Meghan describes does not mean these problems have been solved.
It means advocates are helping create conditions in which better solutions may become possible.
About Meghan Bradshaw, MPH
Meghan Bradshaw, MPH is a Lyme disease and tick-borne illness advocate and Executive Director of Center for Lyme Action.
At the time of this October 2025 interview, she served as the organization's Government Relations Manager. She became Executive Director in January 2026.
After experiencing severe tick-borne illness, years of misdiagnosis, and extensive orthopedic surgeries, Meghan dedicated herself to improving the systems responsible for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research.
She pursued graduate education in public health and has participated in federal tick-borne disease policy and research initiatives.
Her advocacy includes working with Congress, federal agencies, patient organizations, researchers, and clinicians to increase federal investment and strengthen the national response to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
Read more about Meghan's personal story and Center for Lyme Action's mission.
Key Topics in This Episode
Meghan Bradshaw, Center for Lyme Action, Lyme disease advocacy, Lyme disease federal funding, $500 million Lyme funding, Lyme disease research funding, Lyme disease legislation, Kay Hagan Tick Act, STAMP Act, BITE Act, Tick Identification Pilot Program Act, Alpha-Gal Allergen Inclusion Act, alpha-gal syndrome, Lyme disease prevention, tick-borne disease public policy, Lyme disease Congress, federal Lyme research, Lyme disease patient advocacy, Lyme disease recovery, patient-powered research, MyLymeData, Lyme disease misdiagnosis, tick-borne disease research, public health, Lyme disease clinical trials, ILADS, and Tick Boot Camp.
About This LIVE from ILADS Interview
This conversation was recorded in person at the 2025 International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society Annual Scientific Conference, From Terrain to Treatment: Advances in Vector-Borne Illness, held October 9–12, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.
Rich and Meghan reconnect nearly five years after their first Tick Boot Camp interview.
They reflect on their longstanding friendship, their recent participation in a Lyme awareness fashion event, Meghan's personal transformation, and the expanding role of Center for Lyme Action in federal policy.
The discussion highlights how patient experiences can influence research priorities, legislation, public health funding, and the future of Lyme disease care.
Explore all Tick Boot Camp LIVE from ILADS interviews.
More from Tick Boot Camp
Episode 196: The Bionic Woman – An Interview with Meghan Bradshaw
Hear Meghan's full personal story, including her devastating Lyme disease journey, extensive surgeries, recovery, and the experiences that inspired her to become a national advocate.
Episode 378: Center for Lyme Action – An Interview with Bonnie Crater
Meet Center for Lyme Action founder Bonnie Crater and learn about the organization's origins, mission, and strategy for increasing federal funding for Lyme disease and tick-borne illness research.
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Explore more in-person conversations with leading doctors, researchers, advocates, and innovators advancing Lyme disease awareness, science, and treatment.
Discover patient recovery stories and conversations with the people working to improve Lyme disease education, research, treatment, and advocacy.
Legislative proposals and funding figures are discussed in their historical context. For current bill status and advocacy opportunities, consult Center for Lyme Action and official congressional sources.