Who We Are

Our Mission:

Our mission is to increase community awareness about tick-borne diseases in Berkshire County and to provide an educational space where those diagnosed with Lyme and/or its associated diseases and their allies may discuss such issues in a non-judgmental environment.

__________________________________

The Lyme Alliance of the Berkshires is based around a philosophy of intersectional advocacy, striving to be inclusive of all communities and their unique needs.

How We Started:

The Lyme Alliance of the Berkshires (L.A.B.) is a patient driven not-for-profit organization that is 100% volunteer run. L.A.B. was founded by Kenneth Mercure in the spring of 2011, with the goal of creating a support and education network.

A support group was formed as the foundation of the project, with community education events to follow. The first ever L.A.B. meeting took place in Adams, MA in May of 2011. It is at this meeting Kenneth met future co-organizer and friend Karla Lehtonen. Together they have hosted numerous educational events and to date nearly sixty meetings have taken place. L.A.B. has since settled in Pittsfield, MA.

L.A.B. is continually growing and working hard to make a difference in our local communities with a focus on providing services to Berkshire County and the surrounding area.

Founder/Main Organizer: Kenneth Mercure

Email: berkshirelyme@yahoo.com

Co-Organizer: Karla Lehtonen

Volunteer Committee:

Elizabeth Kulas