Lyme Disease Survivor Shares His Battle and Key Awareness Tips

ASHLAND, Ohio — Dillon, a two-time Lyme disease survivor, shared his experiences with the illness, emphasizing the importance of awareness during Lyme Disease Awareness Month in May.

In 2017, Dillon was a novice mountain biker in Pennsylvania when he first contracted Lyme disease. After a biking mishap, he developed a fever, joint pain, and a distinctive rash on his thigh that resembled a bullseye target. Concerned, he went to an urgent care unit where a quick assessment confirmed his fears of Lyme disease.

“Yep, that’s a classic case,” the doctor said after examining him. “You’re one of the lucky ones since some people don’t get a rash, leading to undetected cases.” After a three-week course of doxycycline, his symptoms faded.

Fast forward to June 2024, Dillon was cycling in Ohio when he developed rashes again, this time without the initial symptoms. Despite his concerns, he delayed getting checked, not knowing he might have been bitten by a tick again. He later sought help, hoping to avoid an untreated Lyme case during a planned trip to California.

With different rates of Lyme disease in Ohio compared to Pennsylvania—11,263 cases were reported in Pennsylvania in 2024 against Ohio’s 1,531—Dillon faced skepticism from healthcare providers. The lack of immediate treatment allowed the disease to progress. After a lab confirmation of Lyme disease, he experienced severe symptoms including paralysis on one side of his face.

“It’s not a fun way to spend time at a journalism conference,” he reflected on picking up his medication while away. Dillon’s family now worries about his health, and he is haunted by the lingering effects of the disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 476,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease annually in the U.S. Despite treatment, 10-20% of patients suffer long-term symptoms. Dillon pointed out that education about Lyme disease is vital, especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

He provided five key points about Lyme disease: it spreads through ticks primarily in late spring and summer, early symptoms can vary, prompt treatment is critical for recovery, and prevention strategies are essential. Dillon is determined to raise awareness and hopes others learn from his story.

“Lyme disease isn’t fun,” he concluded, urging people and medical professionals alike to recognize the signs and act quickly to prevent the illness.