Lyme disease is increasing throughout the northern hemisphere. Canada reported 500 cases of it in 2014, but the expectation is that 10,000 Canadians will be infected annually by 2020. It is difficult to diagnose, which only adds to the problem, and there is pressure on governments to acknowledge that they are lagging behind in modern diagnosis and treatment programs.
Pop singer Avril Lavigne revealed her struggles with the disease earlier this year. We are here to reveal the name of another who suffers from this disease, this time from the curling world, and we are inviting you to help her out.
Stefanie Clark has won numerous Prince Edward Island championships in her career, and captured a world junior title for Canada with skip Suzanne Birt back in 2001. She has also given back to the sport numerous times, by travelling to celebrity/charity bonspiels or guiding some 600 students and teachers to experience a national championship.
Sadly, Stefanie cannot compete in curling anymore, because Lyme disease has knocked the stuffing out of her. "I wish I could play," Stefanie told The Curling News. "It is just too hard on me. Last year, after a weekend of curling, I was done for 12 days afterward."
While she's determined to make her life better, Stefanie is facing a five-week treatment plan that will cost her and her family upwards of $50,000 because no government agency will help.
Guess who will? Stefanie's supporters. They have created an online auction using Facebook, located here, where people can bid on more than 75 items and all revenues will be directed to offsetting Stefanie's treatment.
What do you say, curling world? Will you help one of your own?