From Saturday, August 24th through Saturday, August 31st, Michele and her sister Cheryl will be cycling
the length of the Erie Canal from Buffalo to Albany, a total of 360 miles across New York State.

They have decided to use this time not only to have an epic adventure together as sisters, but to raise
awareness and money for causes that are important to them. Michele has chosen LymeLight
Foundation because of her daughter Sophie’s journey. Sophie was the recipient of a LymeLight grant in
2019, which enabled her to seek out treatment and support for her illness.

”Many of you may be aware of the long struggle Sophie has endured through her 11 year battle
with Lyme. Widespread nerve and joint pain, headaches, intermittent seizures and severe fatigue
have kept Sophie from enjoying the kind of life most teenagers and young adults take for granted.
One thing she hasn’t lost is her positive attitude and hopes and dreams for her future. My desire
is that the awards funded by your donations will bring hope and light to many other young
people whose lives have been upended by this debilitating and much misunderstood illness.”
– Michele

LymeLight’s mission is to provide grants to enable eligible children and young adults with Lyme disease
to receive proper treatment and medication as well as raising awareness about Lyme.

LymeLight Foundation was started by two families who have children diagnosed with Lyme disease.
Unfortunately, treatment for Lyme and its devastating symptoms is generally not covered by insurance
beyond 30-60 days, meaning treatment and medical support can cost families many thousands of
dollars, easily upwards of tens of thousands.

LymeLight Foundation awards treatment grants to eligible children and young adults through 25 years
of age, to be used to cover ongoing and new medical costs associated with Lyme. It is the goal and the
hope of the Foundation that through these treatment grants children can receive proper treatment and
medications in their fight against Lyme disease providing the opportunity for a life of health,
productivity, and joy.

Since its inception in 2011, LymeLight has awarded grants totaling $9.8 million to 1,385 individuals
(including Sophie!) in 49 states. Your donation will directly impact the lives of youth in need. As LymeLight
has a grant covering their operating costs, 100% of all donations go directly to fund treatment for
young people suffering with Lyme disease.

All donors will receive a system generated tax receipt when donating directly through the LymeLight
website.

Learn about the End-to-End Canalway Challenge: https://eriecanalway.org/explore/challenge