Shymala H. is a bold, goal-oriented, business-minded, young woman.  She has been a long-distance runner since the age of 9. Early on, Shymala was always the fastest runner in her grade level and she was running Cross Country and Track by middle school. But one day she simply could not run even a mile …

Despite Shymala’s active lifestyle, she had years of unexplained health problems and yet was told repeatedly by doctors that she was healthy.  She experienced extreme fatigue, dizziness, joint pain, night sweats, lack of stamina, nausea, and fevers, and was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and anemia.  At 30, she was also diagnosed with Lyme disease and Babesia. Sadly while she appears healthy, she continues to fight for her health daily.

Shymala saved herself by becoming her own medical advocate and believing that no one knows her body better than herself. She researched, hours upon hours, and fought for every test possible. In efforts to return to a clean slate of health she has now converted to a raw-food diet, regularly does low-impact physical activity, and detoxes while undergoing treatment under the care of a dedicated doctor.

"You are your own medical advocate. Lyme is a constant battle until you have the proper medical team – Do NOT give up."

Now, Shymala focuses her energy on creating awareness and spreading knowledge about this hidden epidemic around the Bay Area. She has partnered with several Lyme-focused organizations around the country to begin fundraising and increasing community involvement.  She feels it is her obligation to become and advocate and share her story with others.

View source version on Bay Area Lyme Foundation.