Lyme Connection
Lyme Connection is an all volunteer initiative founded by the Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force (RLDTF). Our mission is simple. We want to make our community a healthier place by protecting people from contracting Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and connecting patients and their families to helpful resources.
Ongoing efforts include:
- BLAST Lyme disease prevention programs
- Free Blast Tick Prevention Kit
- Seminars for patients and professionals
- Follow our website to learn about upcoming programs
Lyme Connection began as the Ridgefield Lyme Disease Task Force (RLDTF) in 2003. This committee was established by First Selectperson Rudy Marconi in response to the growing incidence of Lyme disease in Fairfield County. In 2008, in partnership with the Ridgefield Health Department, the BLAST Lyme Disease Prevention Program launched with a $50,000 start-up grant from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). In 2013, RLDTF introduced the name Lyme Connection to reflect its pivotal role in connecting patients to each other and to essential support services.
The group is now expanding its efforts to attract new members, additional volunteers and increased donations. Despite alarming statistics, little private, state or federal funding is directed towards community-based programs to support patients or educate the public. Ridgefield is proud of its ongoing commitment to protect residents from tick-borne diseases and support the patients who seek care.For additional information, contact Karen Gaudian at [email protected]
Visit our website for upcoming events and patient resources.
Schedule a BLAST Prevention program for your school or community. Contact us for information.
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Karen Guardian | Chair |
| Barbara Anderson | |
| Andrea Beebe | |
| Marie Benedetto | |
| Barbara Blossom | |
| Erin Caviola | |
| Paula Curry | |
| Krystyna Gut-Wanta | |
| Dr. Steve Phillips | |
| Mary Powers | |
| Klaudia Wanta | |
| Elena Zajac | |
| Rob Zajac | |
| Christel Autori | Advisor |
| Sandy Berenbaum | Advisor |
| Deb Bossio, MD | Advisor |
| Roseanne Capanna Hodge, MD | Advisor |
| Tanya Kory | Advisor |
| Judith Leventhal, Ph.D | Advisor |
| Rudy Marconi | Advisor |
| Maggie Schaeffer | Advisor |
| Dr. Sheila M. Statlander, Ph.D | Advisor |
| Deni Weber, MA, LPC | Advisor |