Lyme Light Radio: Lyme Loonies

Join Mara Williams and Lyme Loonies Creator David Skidmore on Lyme Light Radio Wednesday, May 20th 1PM (PT) 4PM (ET) 

LISTEN LIVE HERE

David Skidmore, Lyme sufferer and creator of Lyme Loonies, knows that there are lots of Lyme patients out there dealing with the misery, multi-symptoms and mystery of Lyme. Something else he knows is that a daily dose of comedy can bring laughter and hope to those suffering. Lyme Loonies is a series of cartoons that capture Lyme patients at their most vulnerable and desperate while hanging on to their sense of humor. The cartoons are David's way of expressing hope, humor, politics, and, yes, even revolt at the tug-of-war in which Lyme patients find themselves regarding funding, diagnosis, treatment, education, a cure, prevention and public apathy. He writes and draws about Lyme disease as he sees it, hears it, and feels it.  David has had Lyme disease for almost six years now, along with every co-infection, and major neurological complications.

David stresses that Lyme Loonies is not about making fun of those inflicted with the disease. He states "I know first-hand the pain, suffering and confusion that Lyme can cause."  

David got the name for Lyme Loonies when he read an article about a well-known doctor stepping down as head of research on Lyme with a federal organization. The doctor wrote "I will certainly miss all of you people - the scientists, but not the Lyme loonies." David thought "Here is a doctor of significant power and influence regarding the current and future state of our health, a man who took the Hippocratic Oath to honor the profession of medicine and, specifically, to cause no harm." David saw this use of Lyme Loonies as disparaging and a cause for a lot of harm both emotionally and scientifically. He believed that taking it back was the only thing to do, that it would make sense to embrace the term and use it for the community.  He goes on to say "That was the remark that launched the Lyme Loonies cartoons. He will see that name and know that we will not be diminished by a flippant phrase. We have embraced it as ours!" 

Lyme disease is controversial and David has certainly not shied away from showing that. Lyme Loonies are cartoons (soon to be published book) created in solidarity with those familiar with Lyme disease. They are cartoons to share with family, friends and those who are unaware of Lyme, because education and awareness will bring the change we all want, need and deserve.

Join Mara Williams and Lyme Loonies Creator David Skidmore on Lyme Light Radio
Wednesday, May 20th 1PM (PT) 4PM (ET)

LISTEN LIVE HERE