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From ConnecticutPlus.com Health
Fifteen enthusiastic exhibitors, most with a personal connection to Lyme disease, displayed their unique merchandise tempting consumers to buy. Everyone was excited to participate because “people like the idea of supporting the fight against Lyme disease,” said Libby Tuttle, Boutique organizer and owner of Designing Women. Mrs. Tuttle’s sister and son both have Lyme disease. Her sister, who lives in Santa Fe, was diagnosed after ten years and is still very ill. She had to travel to Denver to be treated because there were no Lyme-literate doctors in New Mexico. Another artisan, and co-owner of R Simantov Fine Jewelry, Reuben Simantov, a 30-year Lyme disease survivor himself, commented, “I’ve met some wonderful people at this event. Everyone holds hands creating a chain of mutual support.” There were also appraisers on hand at the shopping day fundraiser, who were kind enough to donate all their fees to Time for Lyme. Direct from www.Igavel.com, an online art auction website was owner Lark E Mason, Jr. With him was Helen F. Kippax, of The Antiques Brokerage House, Ltd, an art consulting and appraisal business. Both formerly of Sotheby’s, they appraised valued heirlooms with a suggested fee of $20 per item, or $50 for three. This was the first time the Holiday Boutique was held, and all involved in the planning said it was fun and rewarding, and would set the standard for the following years. Barbara Edwards, TFL co-Vice President of Special Events, Mrs. Tuttle and Pam Scott, owner of Catch All, selected the merchants. The three ladies chose from a list of 40 to 50 vendors, being sure to include all price levels and an assortment of interesting items. Buyers could choose: custom blended teas; chic accessories; fine and hand-crafted jewelry; home decorations; clothing for men, women and children; and much, much more. Positive attitudes prevailed. “People are more upbeat and spending more money,” said Matt Bridier of Castaway Clothing. Kathy Fish of Nantucket Sweaters echoed the sentiment saying she did great and would absolutely love to come back. The consensus was that it was a huge success with a good turnout, especially for a first-year show, which traditionally can be tough. Time for Lyme used the occasion to advance its mission of educating the public about Lyme disease. A TFL table was set up in the center of all the exhibitors, where people could stop by to ask questions, obtain informative literature, sign-up to be on the TFL mailing list, and pick up a TFL baseball cap or Lyme disease bracelet. About Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium carried in many ticks. Some, but not all, people infected with Lyme will see a bull’s-eye rash at the site of the tick bite between three and 30 days after infection. While this rash is a definitive symptom of Lyme, most diagnostic tests for the disease are unreliable and may produce false negatives, according to TFL and the Lyme Disease Association (LDA). TFL and LDA together have endowed the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, the first of its kind dedicated to the study of chronic Lyme disease. About Time for Lyme Time for Lyme is an organization dedicated to eliminating the devastating effects of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illness. Its mission is to prevent the spread of disease, develop definitive diagnostic tools and effective treatments, and to ultimately find a cure for tick-borne illness by supporting research, education, and the acquisition and dissemination of information. In addition, TFL continues to act as an advocate for Lyme disease sufferers and their families through support of legislative reform on the federal, state and local levels. www.timeforlyme.org. © Copyright by ConnecticutPlus.com |
