Life for Lyme (Chai for Lyme) is a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote Lyme disease awareness and support. Founded by Esther Honig and other individuals who have been affected by this disease, the organization offers a variety of services to those dealing with late-stage and chronic Lyme. Using support groups, a telephone hotline and educational programs in schools and summer camps, it hopes to establish a more open dialogue regarding this debilitating disease.
Duvi Honig is the founder and CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce (OJC), in addition to Esther’s husband. A fierce advocate for Lyme disease awareness, Duvi helms Chai for Lyme. Speaking with The Jewish Link in an interview, he discussed Lyme disease and his goals working with Chai For Lyme.
“Lyme disease is a condition many people don’t always feel comfortable talking about,” Duvi explained. “In my experiences, we see families constantly falling apart from it, and it’s very sad how people don’t fully understand how it works and can affect people on both a physical and emotional level. Our goal here, first and foremost, is to bring to the surface this pain many suffer in silence and show how it affects people. Also, we really want people to know that there is help. It can be managed. There are resources and support groups ready to help. Making the discussion about Lyme more open is our best way to combat it.”
Lyme disease is a tick-borne condition that affects the joints and muscles. Symptoms include fatigue, swelling, stiffness and fever, though they vary from person to person. Recovery over time is entirely possible and made more manageable with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Pain medication is also a viable option for temporary relief. If you or a loved one suspects that you may have contracted Lyme disease, consult with your physician as soon as possible.
Duvi has worked with and spoken to many people living with the condition, and he feels that there is an underlying issue where people don’t always feel comfortable sharing details about the pain they are experiencing. He believes that the key to solving this issue is by not having Lyme disease be such a murky subject.
“The biggest problem people with Lyme disease face is the fact that they don’t look like they are sick,” Duvi explained. “People look at a person with it and might think, ‘He looks fine, what’s the problem?’ but the truth is that person is in deep, chronic pain. It tears people apart, makes them feel vulnerable, sometimes even making them not wanting to share what they’re going through with their spouse. I’ve seen it lead to fights, arguments and sometimes even divorces. People internally have their own ways of how they want to deal with it and this can be changed by a more open dialogue.”
Originally, Chai for Lyme began as a support group, having occasional meetings. As more members joined over time, they were able to establish a committee that has since grown into what it is today. Having already seen the organization grow so much, Duvi is extremely hopeful for its future.
“So much progress has been made and will continue to be made over the coming years,” Duvi noted. “Chai for Lyme and the OJC have so much more planned and we hope you’ll join us in making our goals achievable. Only together can we do this.”
If you are interested in learning more about Life for Lyme, please visit https://www.chaiforlyme.org/ or reach out to Duvi directly by email at [email protected]. Additionally, if you’d like to make a donation, visit https://www.chaiforlyme.org/donate. Any amount helps and is greatly appreciated.
By Adam Samuel
Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at adamssoapbox.com.
