Global Lyme Alliance Raises 2.5 Million Dollars at 2019 Annual Gala in NYC

The Fifth Annual Global Lyme Alliance Gala was held in New York City on October 10th. The event raised over $2.5 million to support lyme disease research.

Attending the 2019 Global Lyme Alliance Gala

I am honored that I was able to attend the 2019 Global Lyme Alliance Gala with my husband, Nick, last week in New York City. I feel so much gratitude for Global Lyme Alliance hosting this wonderful event, and for the over 700 attendees who came together in Manhattan on October 10th to support lyme disease awareness. This was GLA’s largest fundraising gala to date—way to go!!

And to be honest, I feel grateful that I was physically well enough to travel and experience this inspiring and memorable evening because as many people know, lyme doesn’t take days off, regardless of what our plans may be.

The Evening’s Events

The venue, located at Cipriani on 42nd Street, was decorated by Lawrence Scott Events, and looked nothing short of magical! The photos can’t even fully capture the elegance. The evening commenced with a cocktail hour (hors d'oeuvres provided by Aureole) and red carpet photos, followed by a delicious dinner menu inspired by Chef Charlie Palmer. The main program featured motivational speeches from the host of the evening, Rosanna Scotto of Good Day New York, GLA leadership, and lyme disease survivors and advocates. Dinner was proceeded by an exciting live auction, which raised over $600,000! The night concluded with entertainment by Big Apple Circus, and a musical performance by TONY-Award Winner Santino Fontana.

Some of the program’s speakers included: Global Lyme Alliance CEO, Scott Santarella; GLA chairman, Robert Kobre; entrepreneur and lyme patient, Bob Kelly; former vice-chairman of Millennium Partners and father of three lyme survivors, David Nolan; and founder of WellBe and patient advocate, Adrienne Nolan-Smith;

The gala program also featured a powerfully produced film which depicted the debilitating and often heartbreaking symptoms of neurological lyme disease on a young mother and her family. This short film really hit home to me and raised crucial awareness to the often overlooked symptoms of late-stage lyme. The film was very well produced, and I felt was a very accurate depiction of what a person battling this progressive disease can go through on a daily basis. It is this kind of awareness that is key to getting more people involved in the fight because they can better understand what life is like for lyme patients and why the research is needed.

Oh, what a night!

The gala was an inspiring evening from the beautiful decor and the memorable speeches, to the amazing food, and remarkable conversation. The room was filled with people who are passionate about finding a cure and delivering hope to lyme patients and their families worldwide.

I was able to connect with other lyme warriors from around the world, and meet some of the hard-working individuals who support GLA. The message was spread that lyme disease has no boundaries, and it can happen anywhere and to anyone; regardless of their age or current health status. It is now estimated that lyme disease could impact up to 2 million individuals by 2020.

This is why it is so important to continue to support organizations like GLA who are leading the way with innovative research to not only discover better treatments, but to help diagnose tick-borne disease earlier, and to even educate the general public on preventative measures.

What does Global Lyme Alliance do?

The Global Lyme Alliance provides a strong community for those battling lyme disease and their families during what can be considered the most lonely and unpredictable time in a person’s life. GLA offers invaluable resources including a doctor directory and peer-to-peer mentoring program to help people with lyme disease find the help they need to combat this insidious disease. GLA has helped over 100,000 lyme patients and their families with referrals for lyme-literate MD’s across the country.

They work with some of the top scientists and researchers in the field conducting ground-breaking studies and trials to further advance the testing and treatment of lyme and tick-borne diseases. GLA’s world-class scientific advisory board follows a rigorous process approved by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to award research grants based on scientific standards. The funds raised by this gala and other GLA events throughout the year go directly towards supporting research and programs that will advance the scientific knowledge of tick-borne diseases, and ultimately finding a cure.

“When you have lyme disease there is just something so uplifting about meeting others who “get it” and can truly understand your journey. ”

You Dont get it until you get it

As my friend and fellow lyme warrior, Katie said, “there are communities of people you never wish to be a part. But, once you become a part of that community, you can’t imagine walking through life without them.” I couldn’t agree more with this sentiment, and words cannot expresses my gratitude to Global Lyme Alliance and all that they have done for my family.

When I was first diagnosed with late-stage lyme disease my husband and I didn’t know where to turn because we had experienced rejection from numerous doctors, hospitals, and infusion centers in Illinois, which forced us to seek treatment out-of-state. We were also abandoned by our insurance company, and even some of our friends and family members didn’t understand the seriousness of lyme disease and the impact it had on us physically, emotionally, and financially. It was around this time that we were first introduced to the GLA community on social media.

I started talking with other lyme warriors online, and my husband and I attended the Chicago GLA fundraisers and connected with others who were going through the same experience as us, and we started to find our strength again, for the first time in awhile we had hope again. And today, I am proud to call those fellow lyme warriors and advocates my friends. I am proud to share my story and advocate alongside these strong, resilient and talented individuals.

Attending the gala only further fueled the passion within my heart to continue advocating and sharing my story to help others find the support, resources and the help they need. Lyme disease is a difficult journey that no one should ever have to take on alone. I am already looking forward to next year’s gala and have begun to challenge myself to try to figure out ways I can contribute to the cause in a more impactful way.

“Once you choose hope, anything is possible!”

— Christopher Reeve

My hope in sharing my experience at the gala is that my fellow lyme warriors can find comfort and hope in knowing that there is an incredibly powerful community working on our behalf to not only raise awareness for lyme disease, but to ultimately find a cure! It is amazing what we can accomplish when we’re in it together!

My Wellness Experience at Sundara Inn + Spa in Wisconsin Dells

Sundara Spa | Wisconsin Dells | Midwest Spa Resort

Sundara Inn & Spa is located just three hours northwest of Chicago in Wisconsin Dells. Sundara invited me to spend a day with them on my recent family trip to Wisconsin Dells and I share my experience below.

If you’re in need of a relaxing get-away, look no further! Sundara Inn & Spa is THE destination for an ultimate Midwest spa weekend that can destress your body and energize your soul! People travel from all over the country to visit Sundara, which is tucked away in the forest, on the outskirts of the Dells—the property is serene! It is about a 3-hour drive from Chicago, which in my opinion is the perfect distance for a mini retreat—far enough away, but not stuck in the car all day.

I have been under heightened stress the last couple months, so this was the perfect addition to my trip to release tension and supplement my healing journey. Self-care is crucial to healing, because as the saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” I have been to many spas over the years, but none of them can really compare to the feeling of wellness and abundance that Sundara offers.

Sundara is a True Wellness Spa

From the moment I arrived for my spa experience, I was impressed by the beautiful aesthetics, peaceful energy and warm welcome from the management and staff. Sundara’s main mission is wellness, and it shows. The spa and resort provides a sanctuary away from stress and seeks to embrace the joy of wellness. While all of the common-areas are electronic and cell phone free (which I LOVE), there are also spaces to connect with light conversation including the Cambrian Oasis with pools, waterfalls, and both indoor and outdoor swim-up bars. You can also dine with friends on the Savana Dining Patio that has a beautiful outdoor fireside seating area.

Local and Organic Dining in Wisconsin Dells

Speaking of dining, I was also very intrigued by the on-site restaurant, Nava, which serves Chef-prepared cuisine inspired by local farming in Wisconsin. Sundara’s wellness cuisine and restaurant has been recognized in Travel + Leisure and Luxury SpaFinder magazines. The best part to me was that they even have their own indoor garden stocked with everything from kale and tomatoes to a variety of nutrient-packed microgreens. As a certified integrative nutrition coach, I really care about where my food comes from, and I can honestly appreciate the hard-work behind sourcing your own produce, especially in the Midwest with the challenging weather and fluctuation seasons. (see garden pictured below)

Ayurvedic Massage and Finding Your Dosha

After I toured the restaurant and resort area, I headed to the Relaxation Room to wait for my massage. My first treatment was an Ayurvedic therapy known as the Marma Massage. This isn’t like your typical basic, swedish massage. This unique treatment integrates healing energy work. The Marma Massage is a mind/body balancing treatment focused on releasing energy blockages throughout the body using Ayurvedic massage techniques. A massage therapist works with your meridians, chakra centers and marma (vital energy) points to enhance your body’s natural healing abilities.

The treatment also incorporates warm herbal oils to balance your specific mind/body type also known as your dosha. Prior to the massage, I filled-out a brief questionnaire to help determine my dosha. It was no surprise that I checked off many of the qualities of a pitta. There are three main Doshas you can fall under.

From the Chopra Center, “Pittas have a powerful intellect and a strong ability to concentrate. When they’re in balance, they are good decision makers, teachers, and speakers. They are precise, sharp-witted, direct, and often outspoken. Out-of-balance pittas can be short-tempered and argumentative.”

The Ayurvediuc principles are nearly 5,000 years old and focus on creating an ideal state of being through bio-energy and spiritual practices. Following the Dosha analysis, the treatment began with a ritual foot bath. My feet were washed with a detoxing cleansing bar followed by a light application of oils. The authentic Ayurvedic massage uses long flowing strokes to release energy blockages within the body. After the massage, I received a Dosha-specific tea to help further detox any impurities and rehydrate. I felt really good after the massage, I strongly believe in the power of energy healing and I think it is important to work on re-balancing your chakras especially if you are dealing with any sort of illness or dis-ease in your body.

Sundara Offers Organic Facials and Skincare Line

After my massage, I headed to the Radiance Room where I sipped on fruit-infused water and relaxed on one of the private chases. I received the Organic facial which is naturally healing facial customized to your skin care needs—in my case that included treating residual dryness from the winter and some minor dark spots from sun damage and hormones. My facial included products from the Eminence line, which I absolutely LOVE and use at home myself. I have been using Eminence skincare products for almost five years now and have been very pleased. They are plant-based, organic products that feel luxurious and smell delicious, the strawberry-rhubarb mask is one of my favorites!

Your skin is the largest organ, so I always tell people they should be mindful of what they put on it. Staying away from chemical-based skincare is not only better for your skin, but your overall health and wellness. The duration of the facial was about an hour, and it was very relaxing with a mini-massage and mask treatment. My skin was smooth as a baby’s bottom and naturally-glowing for a few days after.

Himalayan Salt Room at Sundara

After my facial, I was able to check-out the Himalayan Salt Room. I have been to salt caves/rooms back home before, so I was already familiar with the many benefits. This room was refreshing and vibrant. I can’t quite describe the relaxing feeling of having that pink salt below your feet—similar to walking on sand at the beach. Using salt for wellness benefits is also known as halotherapy.

How Does a Salt Room Work?

The negatively charged ionized salt and trace minerals that are present in the salt room’s atmosphere are said to help to naturally draw toxins and impurities out of the body, reduce inflammation, and even improve respiratory ailments like asthma or bronchitis by clearing the lungs. Some skin conditions can also be improved with halo therapy including psoriasis, rashes, eczema, and acne. Many people also receive stress-relief and similar benefits to meditation from the deep relaxation provided. Sundara has one of the only Himalayan Salt Rooms in the area.

Other Features at Sundara Spa

Some other notable features at Sundara include the yoga room and purifying bath ritual. The multi-purpose yoga room is outlined with floor to ceiling windows which overlook the forest, and on a good day you can truly be one with nature including many deer and other wildlife. I did see several deer just outside the window while I was in the room. (yoga room pictured)

Throughout the week, Sundara offers a full-schedule of activities and fitness classes beyond yoga including cooking lessons, meditation and water aerobics, to name a few. There are many different comfortable seating rooms you can relax in throughout the resort—the perfect place to curl up with a good book, practice meditation, or maybe even take your first nap in years!

Purifying Bath Ritual

Another feature unique to Sundara is the “Purifying Bath Ritual”. It is a five-step self-guided proprietary treatment designed to cleanse the skin, and clear the mind before spa services, or can be enjoyed anytime as an overnight guest of Sundara. It includes a rainfall shower, exfoliation (with Sundara’s signature sandstone body polish which uses ancient Cambrian-era sand discovered at the spa’s excavation site as the exfoliating agent), steam room, cooling rainfall shower and rotation between a hydro-jet hot tub, and cold pool for circulatory and muscular benefits. For the ritual, you follow a circular path, repeating the steps (above) as much as you desire, and it is recommended to allow yourself at least 30-minutes to compete the ritual.

Spend a Weekend at Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells

If you would like to extend your spa experience beyond a day, Sundara offers suites and overnight packages for individuals, couples, and even group retreat options. If you book, maybe I’ll see you there because I know I will definitely be heading back. Even though I only spent a day there, the benefits are still lingering over a week later, and I am grateful for the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes experience at the spa! If you are interested in learning more about Sundara or the types of services offered, visit their website.