Watch this Lyme advocate tell Congress what they need to hear

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April 16, 2026

Holly Ahern, a professor, research scientist, mother of a daughter with Lyme disease, and long‑time Lyme advocate, testified before Congress this week, and she did a stellar job.

The hearing was held by the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Health, where she was given five minutes to summarize why Congress should reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act (HR 4348). Watch here to see what she told them.

 

Stay tuned to see what ultimately happens to the Kay Hagan Tick Act Reauthorization.

TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, President of LymeDisease.org. She is co-author of Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease and of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.

Dorothy Leland
Written by

Dorothy Leland

Dorothy Leland is a longtime advocate and researcher focused on Lyme disease education, policy awareness, and patient support. She has contributed to numerous publications and works closely with medical professionals and organizations to improve understanding and treatment of tick-borne diseases.

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