Fax to Senator Harris
30 March 2006
The Honorable Chris Harris
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
Dear Senator Harris:
I am writing in regard to the article appearing in today's Austin American Statesman titled "Lyme patients say they're losing the one who will treat them." The article describes the continuing struggle of Lyme disease sufferers in Texas. I suspect you have already seen the article, but provide you the following link for you convenience:
http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/30LYME.html
I am part of a small, but well focused, group of Texas patients that has formed an organization called Stand Up For Lyme, the purpose of which is to promote Lyme awareness and education to other patients, the public, and medical professionals; and to act as a resource for Texas Legislators and Agencies. Our ultimate objective is to ensure fulfillment of the recommendations put forth by the Interim Report of the Senate Committee on Administration of "The Prevalence of Tick-Borne Illnesses in Texas" in November 2000: http://www.senate.state.tx.us/75r/senate/commit/archive/c500/pdf/ADTick.pdf
Having reviewed the work accomplished in 2000 on Lyme disease through those hearings conducted by the Senate Committee on Administration chaired by you, I would be extremely grateful for your insight and guidance as to how or why that great progress has apparently faded.
Texas patient count continues to increase, and treatment resources continue to decline statewide. I believe the opportunity exists to build upon the very sturdy foundation you poured, and to renew the well deserved focus on this devastating disease. It is the objective of Stand Up For Lyme to ensure that this happens.
Will you guide us? I would look forward to any suggestions from you or your staff.
Respectfully yours,
[ommitted]