Cocktails and Curiosity for Lyme

Hosted by: Ali Moresco, Dr. Laura Ruof, Jordan Power

Join us for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration as we close out Lyme Disease Awareness Month with Cocktails and Curiosity for Lyme, benefitting Project Lyme.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Brandon L. Jutras, Ph.D., as our keynote speaker — a rare and exciting opportunity to hear directly from one of the most groundbreaking researchers of our time. Dr. Jutras recently published two major studies, including the widely discussed Piperacillin study, providing critical new insights into Lyme disease research. His work is reshaping how we understand, diagnose, and treat tick-borne illnesses — and we are honored to have him share his findings with our community. In 2021, Dr. Jutras won the Bay Area Lyme Foundation’s Emerging Leader Award. 

Guests will enjoy an evening of light appetizers, wine, and beverages as we celebrate the resilience of the Lyme community, reflect on the progress we’ve made, and continue to fuel the momentum for change.

Whether you are a longtime supporter, a new advocate, or someone curious to learn more, this event promises to be an inspiring and uplifting night you won’t want to miss. 100% of funds raised go directly to support Project Lyme-funded research and education initiatives.

The venue is located next to the iconic Hancock Tower, which will be illuminated in lime green on May 29th in honor of Lyme Disease Awareness Month!

About The Event

Project Lyme is a leading Lyme and tick-borne disease nonprofit dedicated to conquering Lyme through research and education. Project Lyme has awarded over $1.5 million for Lyme and tick-borne disease research to date. Project Lyme-funded projects have led to unprecedented advances in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne illness. Learn more about our work here.

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous in-kind sponsor, Stephanie of CantContainHer, for providing stunning floral succulent arrangements—available for donors to take home with a contribution to Project Lyme!

Space is limited — reserve your spot today and join us in driving change for Lyme disease.

About Dr. Brandon L. Jutras, Ph.D.

Dr. Brandon L. Jutras is a leading microbiologist and associate professor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. Renowned for his groundbreaking work on Lyme disease, Dr. Jutras has made significant strides in understanding the disease’s pathogenesis and improving its diagnosis and treatment. His research has led to the identification of piperacillin as a highly effective antibiotic against Lyme disease, offering potential treatment at doses 100 times lower than current standards. Additionally, his studies on peptidoglycan, a component of bacterial cell walls, have uncovered its role in persistent Lyme disease symptoms, paving the way for more accurate diagnostics . Dr. Jutras’s innovative contributions have earned him recognition, including the Bay Area Lyme Foundation’s Emerging Leader Award. 

Recent Research Studies by Dr. Jutras:

1. Piperacillin as a Targeted Treatment for Lyme Disease:
   This study demonstrates that piperacillin can effectively treat Lyme disease at significantly lower doses, reducing potential side effects associated with current treatments.
   Read more​.
2. Persistence of Peptidoglycan in Lyme Arthritis:
   This research reveals that peptidoglycan from Borrelia burgdorferi can persist in patients’ joints, contributing to chronic Lyme disease symptoms.
   Read more.​

Development of Rapid Lyme Disease Diagnostics:
Dr. Jutras’s lab received a $1.2 million grant to develop rapid and accurate testing methods for acute Lyme disease, aiming to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.