[pct-l] Making lymonade from Lymes

[Alan Artman]

Well, I got this from a usually very reliable source, so I thought I'd just throw it out to the list:

He says, "If you've been recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder or viral infection, there are companies willing to pay for your blood--so they can perform research to improve treatment or discover a cure." 

The two companies he mentioned are Access Biologicals and SeraCare Life Sciences.  www.accessclinical.com and www.seracare.com  I went on the Access site and noted that Lyme Disease is one of the disorders covered, even though it's not viral (I suppose it could be classified autoimmune, though.)  I don't know what the payments are except that they can be $200 and up, so it's worthwhile, and there are multiple centers around the country where you can give blood.  

I've met several hikers this year who contracted Lyme Disease on the AT last year.  Some suffered no real ill effects, others were smacked down and knocked off the trail for awhile.  It put my college roommate in the hospital for several days in 2006 .  It's not something I take lightly.    

My imaginary lawyer, always looking out for me, says I should tell you I am neither advocating that you sign up, nor recommending either of these clinics. Just passing along some interesting info.

Patchwork (Alan Artman)