The Helmsley Building Turned Green and Brought Light To The World

Lyme disease Awareness Month is a time for positive change.

Progress moves slowly but, on Saturday, we took a leap forward. For the first time, the Helmsley Building in New York City lit up bright green for Lyme Awareness Month.

This meant so much to a whole lot of people. Lyme disease patients are used to being dismissed, unheard, and underrepresented. This May, the world got a huge reminder that people need help and that change is coming.

Brooke Stoddard had the great idea to light this beautiful building up. Project Lyme made it happen.

Our Generation Lyme board met up for the first time in over a year to witness and celebrate the event together. It was hard to put into words how much this means to us, but we all gave it a shot:

Haley DiBiase: “So proud of these people. So proud of all of you. So honored to be here.”

Jesse Ruben: “There is still such a long way to go in terms of awareness, funding, and treatment. But in the meantime, we will be here. To make sure Lyme patients have a safe place to connect, ask questions, and truly get that they are not alone. Last night, four people in coordinated shirts stood in front of a building. And I’ll never forget that moment ever.”

Brooke Stoddard: “This building lighting is a dream come true. It signifies to the 8 million residents of New York City — and millions of people around the world who will see photos of the lighting on social media — that Lyme disease patients are all around us. They are our friends, family, and neighbors, and they need our help.”

Jennifer Hoffmann: “The weight of the moment keeps setting in for me today — the importance of representation, the significance of progress. It means so much. Yes, it’s just one building lighting. But for a community that’s been in the dark for too long, it’s a beautiful sign of change to come.”

If you’re struggling with Lyme disease, we’re here to help. If you want to get involved with Gen Lyme, reach out to us anytime. There’s a place for everyone here.

Lyme community, this is for you.