Board Member Lorrie Nadel Discusses Her Involvement with Turn the Corner Foundation

“You saved my life.” These are the most rewarding words I hear. I volunteer for Turn the Corner Foundation by answering emails that come to info@turnthecorner.org. I refer people to Lyme-literate doctors and other resources to help them through their fight with Lyme.

I have fought Lyme disease for eight years and have gone through misdiagnosis, improper treatment, emotional struggles and worry that my symptoms were all in my head. I was constantly seeing doctors (I think I saw 50 in total) for six years. I even stayed at the Mayo Clinic for a week, and nobody could figure out my what was causing my symptoms. It was only by coincidence that I found out what was wrong with me. An acquaintance of my husband's knew about Lyme from personal experience and helped me tremendously.

Once I knew that the symptoms I was experiencing had a name, I had hope, for the first time, that I could recover. Further, once I found a Lyme-literate doctor (LLMD) and started a treatment plan that worked for me, I wanted to help others who were experiencing similar struggles with Lyme disease.

I found Turn the Corner when I was doing research about treatments for my chronic Lyme and knew at once that it was a perfect fit for me. I love answering the emails that come in because I feel like I have a lot of information to share. It is quite fulfilling to help others, and I hope they have an easier time than I did obtaining a diagnosis and receiving treatment.

I have worked to make TTC’s doctor referral service efficient and I provide everybody who contacts us with as much up-to-date information as possible regarding Lyme. Since we are not doctors, our most important goal is to get Lyme patients in the offices of LLMDs. An LLMD can diagnose Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses and put a person on an individualized treatment plan to help relieve their particular symptoms. I urge everybody who thinks they may have Lyme to email info@turnthecorner.org and see an LLMD.

I hope to continue answering the emails, as well as help Turn the Corner with any other projects that help others suffering with Lyme. It has been a very positive experience for me and helped my mental attitude. On a personal note, I am a stay-at-home mom with two children, ages 10 and 13. I graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in telecommunications. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends as well as keeping up to date with the most recent Lyme disease-related materials.

If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or Event Committee, please fill out the attached form or contact Darren Port at 646.278.6735 or darren@poweredbyprofessionals.com.