Experts from diverse fields collaborating to advance Lyme disease research, treatment and education will showcase their latest projects at Lyme Connection’s 13th Annual Patient Conference and Health Fair, held May 16, at Western CT State University’s Westside Campus Student Center. Doors open at 5pm, giving attendees time to visit the Lyme-focused health fair, featuring tick-control products, Lyme-literate practitioners, testing laboratories and a wide range of manufacturers offering prevention and patient support services.

The evening program begins at 7pm with the presentation of Lyme Connection’s second “Courage in Patient Care Award” to Dr. Kenneth Liegner. Attendees will then hear from two internationally acclaimed speakers, Lyme Disease Association (LDA) President Patricia Smith and tick-borne diseases specialist Dr. Robert Bransfield.

Smith is in her 19th year as president of the all-volunteer national nonprofit LDA, and is recognized for her outstanding efforts to raise funds for research, spread awareness, secure legislation and support patients. Bransfield is a clinical associate professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, past president of ILADS and past president of the New Jersey Psychiatric Association. A question and answer session will conclude the evening.

This is the 13th annual patient event Lyme Connection has held at WestConn and marks the 16th year the group has provided education, patient support and advocacy for tick-borne diseases in the Greater Danbury area. Admission is free thanks to the support of this year’s sponsors: Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, IGeneX, Inc. and Tick Box Technology Corporation.

For more information, call 203-241-2400 or visit LymeConnection.org. Location: 43 Lake Ave Ext, Danbury. See ad, page 9.