The Ryan Guerin Fund is a special fund that helps financially needy Lyme disease patients who require diagnostic testing for tick-borne illnesses, to be able to afford them when they are financially needy. Laboratory tests are paid directly out of this fund, to the laboratories performing the tests. Donations are given to patients demonstrating financial need. To apply for financial assistance, click here (coming soon).

The fund was established in honor of deceased North Carolina Lyme patient Ryan Guerin.
Ryan served in the U.S. Navy in the first Persian Gulf War. Ryan fought courageously, but because he was not diagnosed early enough in his illness, he never had a chance to regain his health.

When author, advocate and Lyme patient PJ Langhoff had to wait 13 years before any doctor would even agree to test her for Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections, she was outraged when her insurance company refused to pay for expensive, but necessary Lyme diagnostic testing. Due to a lack of money, PJ was forced to pick and choose between laboratory tests that she could afford, delaying her diagnosis and recovery for several years!

As an advocate, PJ learned of similar problems with patients who could no longer work due to their illness, and whom could not afford to pay for doctor visits, lab testing, or treatments.

Disgusted from her own, and the experiences of other Lyme patients having to choose between essentials like food and housing, versus paying for medical care, PJ vowed to establish a fund so that one day financially needy patients could move forward with necessary tests so they could be diagnosed and treated, instead of simply remaining ill because like PJ, they were poor.

In 2008, following the publication of PJ's "It's All In Your Head" book series on Lyme disease, the Ryan Guerin Fund was established. Proceeds of the sale of these and other books and merchandise by PJ go into this special fund. The fund accepts donations from all parts of the world, and anyone may apply for financial assistance, in any part of the world.

A lack of funds and/or insurance coverage should NEVER stop an ill patient from receiving an early diagnosis. Please give generously so that people with Lyme disease (like Ryan), may be given a fighting chance, before it's too late.

Contact  |   Donate

Who qualifies?

Any Lyme patient or Potential patient demonstrating
great financial need*
 

What Tests Qualify?

Western Blot tests
to rule out Lyme disease,
any Tick-borne illness
Co-infection tests

*Financial need is generally considered
to be at or below mean poverty
income levels for your region.
Applicants must be able to arrange
their own testing and use licensed and certified testing laboratories.
Awards are issued upon review of applications and given by greatest need and fund availability.