NEW YORK, N.Y. — Project Lyme will celebrate a decade of advancing research, education, and advocacy for Lyme and tick-borne diseases at its 10-Year Anniversary Gala on September 14, 2026, in New York City. The milestone evening will bring together patients, physicians, researchers, advocates, philanthropists, and industry leaders to celebrate ten years of impact while raising critical funds to accelerate the organization’s mission.
Hosted by Krista Williams, co-host of the Almost 30 podcast, the black-tie event will honor Phyllis and Scott Bedford, founders of the Lymelight Foundation, and Jessica Berman, Chief Brand Officer and co-owner of BodyBio for their extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Dr. Tania Dempsey, MD, will discuss her experience on the front lines of caring for patients with Lyme disease and other infection-associated chronic illnesses.
Since its founding in 2016, Project Lyme has become a trusted national voice for the Lyme and tick-borne disease community, raising more than $6 million to advance education, research, and advocacy. To date, the organization has invested more than $3.08 million in education initiatives, $2.06 million in research grants, and $558,000 in advocacy efforts, helping to accelerate scientific discovery while empowering patients and healthcare professionals across the country.
“Ten years ago, Project Lyme was founded on the belief that patients deserved better—better answers, better research, and better hope,” said Michelle Cuevas, Executive Director of Project Lyme. “As we celebrate this milestone, we are incredibly proud of what our community has accomplished together, and we are honored to recognize Phyllis and Scott Bedford and Jessica Bearman for their unwavering commitment to improving the future for those living with Lyme and tick-borne diseases.”
A highlight of the evening will be the gala’s fund-a-need paddle raise, which will directly support groundbreaking research within the MAESTRO Study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) led by Dr. Mikki Tal, PhD. The MAESTRO study is one of the largest and most comprehensive investigations of infection-associated chronic illnesses, utilizing a cutting-edge multi-omics approach to better understand chronic Lyme disease and related conditions.
Funds raised will help advance the development of non-invasive microvascular imaging technology, an innovative approach that has the potential to transform how chronic Lyme disease is measured and monitored. Dr. Tal’s team is working to establish capillaroscopy as a new objective measure of health by analyzing changes in the body’s smallest blood vessels—offering patients and clinicians a tangible way to visualize disease while contributing to the future of precision diagnostics.
“Project Lyme has become a beacon of hope for millions of patients and families navigating Lyme and tick-borne diseases. Serving as a Gala Co-Chairs is deeply personal because we believe in the organization’s mission to accelerate research, expand education, and ensure that no patient feels alone in their journey. We are honored to help build the momentum for the next decade of progress,” said gala co-chairs Olivia Abrams and Amy Kurtz.
The evening will feature inspiring patient stories, recognition of the organization’s first decade of impact, a live fundraising paddle raise supporting future research initiatives, dinner, entertainment, and opportunities for supporters to help shape the next chapter of progress for the Lyme community.
The Project Lyme 10-Year Anniversary Gala is expected to welcome hundreds of leaders from healthcare, philanthropy, business, and the patient advocacy community for an unforgettable evening dedicated to accelerating solutions for the millions affected by tick-borne diseases.
Tickets, tables, and corporate sponsorship opportunities are available.
Project Lyme is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the burden of Lyme and tick-borne diseases through education, research, advocacy, and patient support. By bringing together patients, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders, Project Lyme works to accelerate scientific progress, improve access to care, and empower individuals with trusted resources to navigate their health journeys.
Media Contact
Project Lyme
Email: info@amorescopr.com
Website: projectlyme.org
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