Use same focus on other chronic diseases

The COVID-19 pandemic is an all-too-urgent reminder of the importance of the work done by medical researchers and scientists who strive to find new cures, not only for the coronavirus, but for chronic conditions that affect millions of people.

We can all agree that those working to find a cure for COVID-19 should not be dealing with shortages in funding or available equipment. We know that the work they're doing is for the public good and a treatment that can improve and potentially save lives.

As a person living with Lyme disease, I want that same agreement for the research into thousands of other chronic conditions, like mine.

From the time I began experiencing symptoms, it took six years for doctors to diagnose me with Lyme disease. I was misdiagnosed several times, accused of faking my symptoms and recommended for mental assistance.

Because of a lack of treatment for my symptoms, I was forced to use a wheelchair and was eventually bedridden. Now, I'm able to walk again, but still struggle living with a disease without a cure.

That's why I'm concerned with policies proposed by members of Congress, like government price setting of medications, that would make it harder for scientists to fund their research into treatments and cures for things like coronavirus, Lyme and other chronic conditions.

People with conditions like mine can't afford to and shouldn't be asked to pay more for their medicines. But there must be a way to address costs without making it more difficult for researchers and scientists to do their jobs and find cures.

Tera Lester

Lombard