Cleveland State junior Maddie Tretter was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and forced to redshirt the swimming & diving season, but her Viking teammates found a way to show their support.
On a training trip to Puerto Rico, Cleveland State Swimming & Diving took on the Lyme Disease Challenge in the video above.
The Lyme Disease Challenge works very similarly to the ice bucket challenge that was all the rage a few years ago. From LymeDiseaseChallenge.org, the challenge’s website, the rules are as follows:
The purpose of the Lyme Disease Challenge is to raise awareness and funding for improved Lyme Disease diagnosis and treatment.
Are you in? Great! Then follow the three easy steps below and donate $10. Prefer not to take the bite? That’s okay too! Donate $100 instead. All donations accepted by ILADEF (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society’s 501(c)(3) non-profit educational fund).
1. TAKE A BITE: Bite a lime and TAKE A PHOTO OR A SHORT VIDEO of the act – the more sourpuss your face, the better (and funnier!).
2. SHARE A FACT: State ONE BRIEF FACT ABOUT LYME DISEASE, such as the facts provided below. You can say them in your video, write them on your photo, or include them in your post. Help us spread the true facts about Lyme Disease!
3. PASS IT ON: Keep the campaign going — CHALLENGE THREE OTHER PEOPLE – your friends, family, whomever! – to take a bite! Mention them in your video or if you do a photo tag them in your post.
Cleveland State Swim & Dive challenged Oakland University, Cleveland State’s volleyball team, and Youngstown University to take on the challenge and donate to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society.
Please read ‘Cured of Lyme in 60 Days’ on Lymeneteurope!
Thanks for posting this! I hope the girl who is red-shirted recovers quickly! I have a child who is also a swimmer that suffers from this disease, unfortunately, it was misdiagnosed for about a year. Late stage Lyme disease causes all sorts of problems. Please make sure you take precautions when outside and you take any tick bite seriously and monitor yourself for symptoms. Like anything, early detection is crucial and can save you or a loved one a lot of pain and suffering. Cleveland State swimmers thank you for supporting your teammate and sharing this great message!