LYME HEARINGS IN MASSACHUSETTS
October 12, 2005

The program will begin with testimony from an expert panel consisting of:

• Brian Fallon, MD, MPH Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; Director, Lyme Disease Research Program, NY State Psychiatric Institute; Principle Investigator for N.I.H. Chronic Lyme Retreatment Study
• Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH Principle Investigator,N.I.H. Lyme Double-Blind Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study; Board of Directors, ILADS; Private Practice, Mt. Kisco, New York
• Charles Ray Jones MD Private Practice: Pediatric and Adolescent Lyme Disease, New Haven Connecticut
• Patricia V. Smith President, (national) Lyme Disease Association, Inc.; Vice President, Political Affairs, ILADS (International Lyme & Associated Diseases Society)

The general public will then be invited to testify. Lyme patients from everywhere are welcome; however, Massachusetts residents will be given preference regarding testimony. Although legislators have asked the public to testify "from the heart". written notes and/or cards will be permitted. Time will be limited to 5 minutes (IMPORTANT, one to two typed pages is about 5 speaking minutes; there is, however, no limit to the written testimony that you may choose to submit to the Public Health Committee). Bring your written testimony to the hearing, and please forward a copy of your statement by October 1 to:

TRANSPORTATION:
Early on Wednesday October 12th we expect to have buses leaving from 4 locations:

(1) Cape Cod: Nancy (508) 362-3189 nbwood@comcast.net
(2) North Shore Kay B10G7@comcast.net
(3) Fall River Janice (508) 636-9000 TheWestporter@aol.com
(4) Western Massachusetts. Carla (413) 569-5800 Rhausta@Mail.com

A Large Turnout is as important as the quality and quantity of Personal Testimonies. Please bring your children, spouses and other family members. Drs. Jones, Fallon & Cameron and Pat Smith are all traveling a long distance and sacrificing much to help us make this into a successful event. This is THE opportunity that we have been waiting years for! The Massachusetts Legislature has never, EVER held hearings on Lyme disease at the State House in the past; let's not be faint of heart but, rather, let's all 'seize this moment!' with our cogent and coherent testimonies and our OVERWHELMING attendance! We have, at this event, the opportunity to begin changing conditions for Lyme patients here in Massachusetts and nationwide.

I hope to see you ALL at 10 AM sharp on Wednesday October 12th at the Massachusetts State House (Hearing Room A-1)! Note: For those coming in private cars, parking is underground about 1/4 mile away. Allow extra time).

Sincerely,
John Coughlan
Director
Massachusetts Lyme Disease Coalition
Ph: (508) 563-7033

*NOTE: there is a possibility that a physician from the "conservative" Steere/Klempner group may be added to the program.