Under Our Skin - East Brunswick, August 4th

[Guest guest]

Don't Miss the Summer's New Award-Winning Film

" UNDER OUR SKIN "

~ discover the truth about Lyme disease ~

A frightening expose of our corrupt medical system and its failure to

address one of the most serious epidemics of our times.

An " infectious " film about microbes, medicine and money, this eye-

opening film investigates the untold story of Lyme disease, an

emerging epidemic larger than AIDS. Each year thousands go

undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, told that their symptoms are " all in

their head. " Follow the stories of patients and physicians as they

battle for the lives and livelihoods. This film focuses a haunting

picture of our health care system and its ability to cope with a

silent terror under our skin.

" UNDER OUR SKIN " – CENTRAL New Jersey PREMIERE !

MONDAY AUGUST 4th – 6:45 PM

Panel discussion after includes Ms. Pat , President, LDA, and

Dr. Bransfield, MD, President-Elect, ILADS and Vice President,

NJ Psychiatric Association.

EAST BRUNSWICK LIBRARY – 2 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ

DIRECTIONS: see www.EBPL.org/ main/hours_ directions.cfm or call

732.390.6950

~ RSVP for LIMITED SEATING PLEASE! ~

Email: NewBrunswickLyme@...

In the early 1970s, a mysterious ailment discovered among children

living around the town of Lyme, CT, eventually became known as Lyme

disease, an illness triggered by spirial-shaped bacteria, similar to

the microorganisms that cause syphilis. Today, many of those

untreated will suffer chronic debilitating illness. Some unknowingly

will pass the disease on to others. Many will lose their livelihoods,

and still others their lives.

Yet Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood and controversial

illnesses of our time. Difficult to test accurately, tens of

thousands of people go undiagnosed – or misdiagnosed with such

conditions as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autism, MS and ALS. The

Centers for Disease Control admits that more than 200,000 people may

acquire Lyme disease each year, a number greater than AIDS, West Nile

Virus, and Avian Flu combined.

And yet, the medical establishment – with profound influence from the

INSURANCE industry – has stated that the disease is " easily

detectable and treatable " and that " chronic Lyme " is some other

unrecognized syndrome or a completely psychosomatic disorder.

UNDER OUR SKIN is a powerful and often terrifying look not only at

the science and politics of the disease, but also the personal

stories of those whose lives have been affected and nearly destroyed.

From a few brave doctors who risk their medical licenses, to patients

who once led active lives but now can barely walk, the film uncovers

a hidden world that will astound viewers.

While exposing a broken health care and medical research system, the

film also gives voice to those who believe that instead of a crisis,

Lyme is simply a " disease du jour, " over-diagnosed and over-treated.

As suspenseful and hair-raising as any Hollywood thriller, UNDER OUR

SKIN is sure to get under yours.

Director's Statement, by Andy Abrahams

------------ --------- --------- --------- ---------

When my twin sister, in upstate New York, was diagnosed with Lyme

disease many years ago, I knew she had undergone a long period of

multiple symptoms and few answers from physicians. But I had little

patience for what I mistook as her laziness and malingering. How

could anybody be so sick and yet look just fine? Perhaps this film

project is penance for the way I treated my sister when she was sick.

By CDC estimates alone, Lyme disease may be the fastest growing

infectious disease in the country. Patients live with chronic,

debilitating illness - are often told its' " all in their heads. " Left

untreated, some die and others take their own lives.

Our film tells the hidden story of Lyme disease in human terms. It is

meant to open eyes to a danger under our skin that has gone far too

long ignored. Awareness literally will save lives.

------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- -

~ RSVP for LIMITED SEATING PLEASE! ~

Email: NewBrunswickLyme@...

PRESS KIT DOWNLOAD -

http://www.openeyep ictures.com/ underourskin/ uos_press. html