Tick Boot Camp

Episode 467: LIVE from ILADS: Megan Bradshaw - Advocating for Tick-Borne Disease Patients

1 year ago

Key Points:

  • Megan Bradshaw shares her personal recovery journey and how it led her to pursue a master's in public health at UNC Chapel Hill.
  • She discusses her new role as Government Relations Manager for the Center for Lyme Action, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit dedicated to increasing federal funding for tick-borne disease research and policy.
  • The Center for Lyme Action organizes "fly-in" events, where patients and advocates virtually meet with members of Congress to share their stories and push for increased Lyme disease funding.
  • Megan highlights the power of grassroots advocacy, explaining how patient voices influence legislative change despite bureaucratic hurdles.
  • She explores opportunities within the current administration's focus on chronic illnesses and the potential role of federal agencies in tackling Lyme disease.
  • Megan encourages patients and caregivers to participate in the upcoming virtual "fly-in" event, offering training and support to help them make a difference.
  • Advocacy is not just about policy—it can be an empowering part of the healing journey, providing patients with purpose, connection, and a platform for change.

Resources & Links:

Tick Boot Camp is a Lyme disease and tick-borne illness podcast featuring interviews with leading doctors, researchers, scientists, patients, advocates, and experts. Explore Lyme disease symptoms, testing, diagnosis, treatment, recovery, chronic Lyme disease, coinfections, PANS/PANDAS, MCAS, neurological symptoms, emerging research, and the latest advances in tick-borne disease care. Through expert education and powerful patient stories, Tick Boot Camp provides hope, validation, practical information, and a community for people navigating Lyme disease and complex chronic illness.