Valentine's Day Mail Blitz to President Bush

[Guest guest]

" Have a Heart, Mr. President "

I am asking each household with Lyme to mail a postcard or note to the

White House between February1 and 10, 2001. We need a simple inexpensive

census of people with Lyme, especially chronic Lyme.

Don't bother to write a long letter or medical history. They total the

pieces of mail in a particular catagory. Put a green heart on the

outside of the envelope or write Lyme in large letters. Make it simple

for the mail sorters.

Please noify anyone you know who has been bitten, even if they are

currently well. Phone those who have no computer. Contact any media

people and inform them that this is a nationwide campaign. Try to

generate a local story. Reasons for

  the campaign are:

1. Under-reported numbers of cases

2. Constant misdiagnosis

3. Discrimination by insurance companies 4. Harrassment of physicians

who treat Lyme patients

Sample note (copy if you like)

Dear President Bush,

It is COMPASSIONATE to treat those who are sick with Lyme Disease and

associated tick-borne infections. It is CONSERVATIVE to treat them

before they become disabled. Many develop autoimmune diseases such as

Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lou Gherig's Disease

and even Alzheimer's. Antibiotic treatment in the early stage is much

cheaper than disability and 20 or more years in a nursing home. Please

help us get the care we desperately need.

Put the number of household members with Lyme, your name and state.

Ask the " Lyme Kids " to make him a green Valentine, including their age

and how long they've been sick.

We need a " LANDSLIDE FOR LYME " .

Please post this everywhere.

President W. Bush

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Washington, D.C. 20500

Thank you all for your cooperation.

Louise Doherty Shanahan, New Jersey