"I am not going down in this fight." Join force of nature Tanner McMillan, 16, and his bestie Ed Blandford, on their mission to make a difference - to raise awareness about Lyme disease and contribute to the community that supported Tanner during his darkest days.
After being robbed of multiple childhood years by Lyme disease, resilient young Tanner has made a remarkable recovery and is now determined to give back. In December, he is teaming up with a brave mate for an extraordinary challenge: to walk the 90 Mile Beach in Victoria.
Together, they aim to raise funds for the Lyme Disease Association of Australia, an organisation that has been instrumental in Tanner's journey.
TANNER'S STORY Tanner's journey began at the tender age of eleven when a tick bite in rural Victoria unleashed the devastating effects of Lyme disease on his young body. This vibrant and sporty country kid was quickly reduced to a shell of his former self, at times unable to even stand up on his own. Tanner's desperate parents sought answers from countless doctors, but their pleas for tick-borne disease testing fell on deaf ears. Despite daily seizures and a host of debilitating symptoms, Tanner was also dismissed by a psychologist who claimed it was all in his head. It was a heart-wrenching experience for Tanner, as all those who were supposed to care turned their backs on him.
Hope finally emerged when the McMillans reached out to the Lyme Disease Association of Australia. Through their support, the family connected with one of the country's few 'Lyme-literate' doctors. Tanner's diagnosis turned out to be Lyme disease. Years of expensive and arduous treatments followed, but Tanner's determination paid off. He can now attend school full-time and enjoy a life that closely resembles normalcy.
You can be a part of Tanner and Ed's incredible journey by supporting his fundraising campaign. Your generous contributions will enable the Lyme Disease Association of Australia to continue their vital work, supporting individuals like Tanner and their families.
Together, we can raise awareness, fund research, and improve the lives of those affected by Lyme disease.
If you would like to become a sponsor for Tanner & Ed's Epic Hike, or would like further information please visit www.lymedisease.org.au or email info@lymedisease.org.au
PREVENTION. INNOVATION. RECOVERY.
The LDAA is committed to achieving universal recognition and equitable treatment for Australian Lyme and associated disease patients. We support Lyme disease patients and their loved ones.
About Fundraiser
Tanner McMillan
LAKES ENTRANCE, VIC
Mon, 9 Sep 2024
Darcy Cann
$ 100
Incredible stuff boys!! what you are doing is amazing and I cannot put into words how proud I am of you both, best of luck with the hike!!
Mon, 9 Sep 2024
Ailsa Ballard
$ 100
So wonderfully mature to give back to the LDAA and congratulations to his amazingly supportive friend
Mon, 9 Sep 2024
Cheryl Johnson
$ 1000
Good on you two and happy 17th Tanner. Here’s to many more.
Sun, 8 Sep 2024
Anonymous
$ 100
Wed, 28 Aug 2024
Adrian and Christine Nikolajew
$ 150
Thu, 15 Aug 2024
Adam Huts
$ 150
Thu, 15 Aug 2024
DMG Partners
$ 300
Thu, 1 Aug 2024
Alessia Colombo
$ 50
Incredible stuff guys!! 🤩 Best of luck for the rest of your training and the trek!
Tue, 30 Jul 2024
Linda Cooper-Lothian
$ 50
Very impressive, Tanner! Glad you have gotten your life back. Good luck!
Thu, 25 Jul 2024
Yolanda Jennings
$ 100
You are very impressive Tanner!! All the very best this your walk!!
PREVENTION. INNOVATION. RECOVERY.
The LDAA is committed to achieving universal recognition and equitable treatment for Australian Lyme and associated disease patients. We support Lyme disease patients and their loved ones.
Incredible stuff boys!! what you are doing is amazing and I cannot put into words how proud I am of you both, best of luck with the hike!!