Honoring Patricia V. Smith — Two Years Later

Patricia V Smith, Lyme Disease Association, Inc. President for over 27 years

Honoring Patricia V. Smith — Two Years Later

August 17 marks the second anniversary of the passing of Patricia V. Smith, who served as President of the Lyme Disease Association, Inc. (LDA) for more than 27 years.

Pat’s dedication, persistence, sound leadership and fierce advocacy, helped change the course of Lyme and tick-borne disease research, legislation, education, patient access to care, and so much more. Her unrelenting efforts laid the foundation for many of the incredible changes we are beginning to see in the Lyme and TBD community today. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide all of us who remain committed to this work.

As COTBDAA celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, we could not mark this milestone without acknowledging Pat and the profound impact she and LDA had on our organization.

We are forever grateful for the guidance, friendship, mentorship, and unwavering support Pat provided as we established and grew COTBDAA over the past decade. She believed in our mission, encouraged our efforts, and helped us navigate the challenges of building an organization dedicated to advocating for those affected by Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Pat and the Lyme Disease Association also entrusted COTBDAA with the content rights to LDA’s educational brochures and posters, allowing us to continue making these important resources available to patients, families, educators, and healthcare professionals nationwide. We are honored to carry this work forward.

Our first updated resource has recently been published: The ABCs and 123s of Lyme Disease, brochures especially for parents, educators and healthcare providers (School Nurses). This is just the beginning—more resources are to come as we continue to preserve and expand access to trusted Lyme disease education.

COTBDAA also houses the LDA’s national Dr. Search database, helping patients and families connect to healthcare providers with experience in treating Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

In addition, we have carried forward the LymeAid 4 Kids National Grant and Education Program, continuing this important work in memory of Pat and her commitment to helping children affected by Lyme disease receive the care they need.

Without the support of Pat and the Lyme Disease Association, COTBDAA would not be where it is today.

As we celebrate ten years of COTBDAA, we celebrate not only how far we have come, but also the people whose vision and generosity helped make that journey possible. Pat was one of those people.

We remember her huge heart and fierce leadership.
We are grateful for her friendship and mentorship.
We honor her legacy by carrying the work forward.

Pat’s impact lives on in the resources we provide, the families we support, the children we help, and the Lyme community she devoted so much of her life to serving.