This is a reference and support group for Lyme (and associated diseases) patients, their care givers, medical professionals, and anyone else interested in knowing more about this disease and how to cope with it.

We are a service of the Arizona Lyme Disease Association (AZLDA), a branch of the national Lyme Disease Association (LDA). We support the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), which is physician run.

The Arizona Lyme Disease Association support group also meets in real time at Scottsdale's via Linda Senior Center, 10440 N. Via Linda Scottsdale, AZ 85259 (480) 312-5810. Meeting times are 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the third Saturday of every month. Additionally there are occasional meetings in Tucson and Flagstaff. Check this site for announcements.

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Arizona Lyme Disease Assocations is threefold:

1) Support;
2) Education;
3) Advocacy.

We support those who are ill with Lyme and associated diseases, while we educate the public and the medical community of the dangers and the latest research. We also advocate for better knowledge of Lyme disease within the medical community, and for research into and development of new treatment methods.

For details on understanding Lyme disease, please refer to the following Web sites:

http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html
http://www.ilads.org/basic.html
http://www.chkd.org/HealthLibrary/Content.aspx?pageid=P02833
http://www.amytan.net/LymeDisease.aspx

In 2006 there were 5 reported cases of Lyme disease in Maricopa County alone. These statistics are misleading. Doctors recognize and report only one case per 100 by CDC estimates, and Lyme disease is not a mandatory reportable disease in this state. Actual cases - those both diagnosed and undiagnosed - may be 1000 times reported cases.

If you have a question and are not sure about joining this group, click "Join Group" anyway to leave your question for one of the group moderators.