Tuesday, August 17, 2010

September Extravaganza

*****THE EXCITEMENT BEGINS ON SUNDAY!*****
Please be advised that there is a large book fair
happening around the Queen's Park area on Sunday.
For those driving to the Theatre screening of the film,
this event may affect road access around Queen's Park
Crescent, and immediately north thereof.
(don't forget to dress warmly!)

If you live within driving distance of the Ontario's capital city, September is going to feel a lot like Lyme disease awareness month all over again. There are two back-to-back exciting events planned in the hope that some will be able to take part in both.

Screening of Under Our Skin
The first is a theatrical screening of an award-winning Lyme documentary on Sunday, September 26th. A gripping tale of microbes, medicine & money, Under Our Skin exposes the hidden story of Lyme disease, one of the most controversial and fastest growing epidemics of our time. Each year, thousands go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often told that their symptoms are "all in their head." The film follows the stories of patients and physicians fighting for their lives and livelihoods, bringing into focus a haunting picture of the health care system and a medical establishment all too willing to put profits ahead of patients.
Under Our Skin
Isabel Bader Theatre
Sunday September 26th
1:00pm matinée & 7:00pm evening screenings
3-hour event includes discussion panel after the film
Brochures and other info available before the event
Doors open 1 hour before scheduled time
There will be a matinée and evening showing, each followed by a VIP Panel discussion (including film director Andy Abrahams Wilson!). Proceeds from this event will support CanLyme's goal of establishing Lyme research and treatment facilities in Canada. A downloadable brochure (4 per 8.5x11" page) is available if you would like to invite friends, neighbours, doctors, etc. Complete event details and online or phone ticket sales can be accessed via CanLyme.com. Tickets will also be sold at the door, subject to availability. We are looking for volunteers to help distribute posters around Toronto, as well as assist on the day of the event. If you are able to volunteer your time, please contact Rob for more details.

Wall of Hope 2010
The second big event to tell you about is the annual Wall of Hope demonstration. Events are again being planned in several cities across the country this year. Our Toronto event will take place on Monday, September 27th on the south lawn of Queen's Park, right in front of the Ontario Legislature. The event will officially run from 12-noon until 1:00pm -- please come early and bring along a packed lunch if you would like to join us for a picnic on the beautiful Legislature grounds following the festivities. We are honoured this year to welcome CanLyme president Jim Wilson to our event, in addition to MPP France Gelinas and lawyer Paul Haefling. Please make sure your MPP is aware and invite them to come and learn more about Lyme issues facing patients throughout Canada. Please put your creative juices to work and bring along some eye-catching posters.
Wall of Hope
Queen's Park (south lawn)
Monday September 27th
12 noon until 1:00 pm
Picnic lunch to follow event
The green arrow (see map below) marks our meeting place on the Legislature grounds, right outside the grand main entranceway. There is no parking available immediately on the grounds. Limited paid parking is available on the University grounds on the west side of Queen's Park as well as area municipal lots. The TTC Queen's Park subway stop is conveniently located steps from where we will be meeting.

Lyme Action is pleased to be handing out complimentary T-shirts to attendees -- come early and get one while supplies last! This is our thank-you to you for your continued support. Thank you!


View Larger Map

Remember, both of these September events are scent-free.

So September will be a great time to be in Toronto. Consider making a weekend of it and take in both events. Please help us spread the word. Let's keep the momentum building and keep raising awareness about Lyme issues. There has been some good progress this year, but there is so much still to do. See you in September! Drop Rob an email if you have any questions.