About Us

Fighting Lyme,

Restoring Lives

About Us

Fighting Lyme,

Restoring Lives

We are a Michigan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and accelerating research for Chronic Lyme Disease.

We are a Michigan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and accelerating research for chronic Lyme disease.

About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the U.S. (CDC, 2024). About 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated each year (CDC, 2025).

Lyme disease prevalence for 2026 is projected to be present in 66 of Michigan's 83 counties, up from 42 counties in 2021 (Mich.gov)
Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia bacteria, and transmitted via blacklegged ticks (CDC, 2024).

Symptoms are often misdiagnosed. Early signs may include rash, fever, and fatigue (CDC, 2024). If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to Lyme arthritis, neurological complications, and heart problems (Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.).

It is estimated that there are 2 million patients in the US, who experience Post-Treatment Lyme Disease (Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center, n.d.).

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Surveillance for Lyme Disease After Implementation of a Revised Case Definition — United States, 2022.

Michigan.gov Lyme risk map 2026

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2025). Lyme Disease Surveillance and Data.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). How Lyme Disease Spreads.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Signs and Symptoms of Untreated Lyme Disease

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.) Lyme Disease Overview

Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Research Center. (n.d.) Lyme Disease Treatment and Prognosis.

Our Mission

Research

Our research focuses on uncovering the latest, science-backed treatments for Chronic Lyme Disease. Our goal is to develop and refine new therapies, like electromagnetic energy, that can make lasting recovery possible.

Accessibility

Our mission is to make this innovative affordable Lyme treatment available to all. By funding and advancing research, we aim to bring effective, science-backed therapies into public reach--not just for a few, but for everyone who needs them.

Awareness

We raise awareness through storytelling, education, and advocacy. By amplifying patient voices and spreading accurate information, we fight the stigma and push for a deeper understanding of Lyme disease.

Who We Are

Lyme Rescue is a Michigan based 501(c)(3) formed to fund innovative research for the treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease or Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome. Lyme Disease is not only physically and mentally debilitating but financially debilitating as well. For this reason, we also solicit monies to provide treatment for patients who are otherwise unable to afford them.

Any individual or family that has been impacted by this disease and it’s unpredictable effects longs for real advocacy, support, and innovation.

There are several excellent organizations that provide patient treatment, support and information about state of the art treatments for Chronic Lyme Disease. There is also growing awareness of and research for Lyme Disease. Unfortunately, many current treatments fall short of long-term benefit in the general Lyme population.

Borrelia is a bacteria with characteristics unlike many other bacteria which makes it extremely difficult to eradicate. Moreover, it is challenging to return afflicted patients to long-term functionality.

"I feel better than I have felt in literally years."

View Testimonials

How It Started

In 2010, founder and medical director Dr. Derderian began his interest in alternative medicine when both his wife and son were being treated for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome . In 2016, they were formally diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease.

For the next four years, he immersed himself in the study of Chronic Lyme Disease. In 2020, while using a cosmetic device to treat his wife, she experienced a severe Herxheimer reaction. Over the next year he observed 5 patients with similar responses.

In 2022, he launched a prospective study, treating a cohort of 10 patients diagnosed with Chronic Lyme Disease over a four-month period. With encouraging initial results, that year he founded Lyme Rescue as a 501(c)(3).