🔥🔥🔥 Ed and Tanner's epic walk to Shine the Lymelight from 8 - 14 December 2024 was a grand success!
"I am not going down in this fight."
Join force of nature Tanner McMillan, 17, 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. On 8 December, he and his brave mate Ed will kick off their extraordinary challenge: to walk the length of the iconic 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