Blog
Recap: The 2024 Tickborne Disease Medical Conference
Check out some highlights of the inaugural 2024 Tickborne Disease Medical Conference in Champaign, Illinois on October 22, 2024.
Recap: The 4th Annual Golf Outing
Check out the golf outing recap at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. We raised over $62,000!
Recap: Paint & Sip in Peoria Heights, IL
Check out the Paint & Sip event recap at 12 Bar Lounge in Peoria Heights, IL. We raised nearly $4,000!
Outdoor Illinois Journal: Defend Against Ticks Year-Round: The Top EPA-Approved Tick Repellents You Need to Know
Read about top EPA-registered tick repellents in the Outdoor Illinois Journal.
ILA Executive Director Jennifer Russell Talks Lyme Disease on 97.7 WRAM Radio
Jennifer Russell was featured on 97.7 WRAM morning radio to discuss her family's story, Lyme in Illinois, prevention strategies, and more. Click here to listen to the episode.
Illinois Lyme Association Partners with IDPH to Host 2024 Illinois Tickborne Disease Conference
Illinois Lyme Association partners with IDPH for the first-ever 2024 Illinois Tickborne Disease Conference in Champaign, IL this October. Learn more about the conference here.
Change Is in the Air: A Summer Message from ILA Executive Director Jennifer Russell
ILA Executive Director Jennifer Russell shares a summer update about two upcoming events, plus how the organization is furthering the mission of providing Lyme disease education, awareness, and advocacy.
Rash Decisions: 5 Common Misconceptions about Lyme Rashes
The range for people infected with Lyme disease who develop a rash is broad: anywhere from 30% to 80%. While a bull’s-eye rash is a classic Lyme symptom, many people will develop other types of rashes. Read more here.
Lyme in the Public Health Spotlight: Jennifer Russell Featured on IDPH’s This Is Public Health Podcast
Jennifer Russell was featured on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s podcast This is Public Health along with Dr. Arti Barnes, IDPH’s Chief Medical Officer. Listen to this engaging discussion that took place during Lyme Disease Awareness Month.
Be Aware of Ticks with These 5 Tick Prevention Tips
Ticks and tick-borne diseases are on the rise throughout Illinois. Here are five tips to help protect you and your family from the dreaded tick bite.
Blossom & Thrive: A Spring Message From ILA Executive Director Jennifer Russell
ILA Executive Director Jennifer Russell shares a spring update about what’s been happening with the organization to further the mission of Lyme disease education, awareness, and advocacy so far.
Borrelia Miyamotoi: Explore a Lesser-Known Tick-Borne Threat in Illinois
Borrelia miyamotoi is a lesser-known but emerging threat, lurking in the dense foliage of Illinois. It belongs to the same family as the Lyme disease-causing Borrelia burgdorferi. Yet, B. miyamotoi has its own unique set of challenges, from transmission to diagnosis and treatment. Read about them here.
Jennifer Russell Featured on Episode 401 of Tick Bootcamp Podcast
Illinois Lyme Association’s (ILA) Executive Director Jennifer Russell was featured on Episode 401 of the Tick Bootcamp Podcast on February 21, 2024. Click to listen to this amazing episode!
Beware of Ticks: Hunter Safety & Tick-borne Disease Prevention
Proximity to ticks and long hours spent in wooded areas or handling a harvest puts hunters in a high-risk category for those most susceptible to encountering tick bites and tick-borne diseases. Here’s what to do about it.
Alpha Gal Syndrome: What Is It + What Are the Symptoms?
From the bite of a Lone Star tick to an unexpected allergic reaction to meat, Illinois is among the top 13 states for alpha-gal syndrome. Read all about this emerging and dangerous meat allergy here.
Tick-borne Diseases & the Workplace: How to Decrease Your Exposure
People who work outdoors, including railroad and forestry workers, park rangers, conservation police, landscapers, utility and construction workers, and farmers, are more likely to encounter infected ticks. Learn how to prevent tick bites and recognize the symptoms of Lyme disease.
Lyme Disease & Mental Health — What You Should Know
Those who have contracted Lyme disease and other tick-borne disease may be at greater risk of developing mental health issues. Learn how Lyme disease and mental health can go hand in hand here.
Reflecting on an Impactful Year in Illinois
ILA’s Executive Director Jennifer Russell reflects on 2023 and shares the oganization’s hopeful vision for Lyme disease education and awareness in Illinois for 2024.
A Look Back on a Decade of Healing from Lyme Disease + 3 Tips to Help You Cope
One Lyme disease patient takes a look back on a decade of healing and provides three tips to help others continue to cope.
Advocating for A Diagnosis: Steve’s Lyme Story
After doctors dismissed Steve’s symptoms, he took his health into his hands and advocated successfully for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan. Read his story here.
We would love to add your journey here.
Contact us if you would like to share your story with others to give them encouragement and to help raise awareness of how tick-borne disease affected you and your family.
If you want to share your journey but keep it anonymous, we can do that!