January 2, 1954 – June 28, 2024
We’re heartbroken to announce the demise of our founder, Jim Wilson, on June 28, 2024. He died surrounded by household after an prolonged sickness.
CanLyme exists solely due to the imaginative and prescient, ardour and tireless work of Jim over the previous 20 years. As founder, Jim’s legacy is really spectacular. He single-handedly created a vibrant, lively group that’s the first level of contact for a lot of Canadians affected by Lyme disease – offering data, training, analysis funding, and affected person advocacy throughout the nation.
It wasn’t simple. His involvement with the Lyme group started in 1991 when he turned severely ailing with Lyme disease whereas dwelling on the east coast of Canada. The situation went undiagnosed for a number of years whereas his signs worsened till he was finally discovered to have Lyme disease.
As soon as recognized he struggled to obtain correct and efficient therapy. Nevertheless, he doggedly pursued all avenues and was slowly capable of regain his well being.
Then, ten years later in 2001, Jim’s daughter contracted Lyme disease whereas dwelling in British Columbia. Different kids in the identical group have been additionally recognized with Lyme. With Jim’s expertise he was capable of assist his daughter and her associates get therapy and finally to regain their well being.
At this level, Jim noticed a transparent want to deal with the issue of Lyme on a nationwide degree and he based the Canadian Lyme Illness Basis (CanLyme) in 2003, attracting outstanding scientists and researchers to the Board.
He helped many individuals individually, personally answering telephones and emails whereas on the identical time pushing for change and serving to educate Canadians on this advanced illness.
Every thing CanLyme has executed since its founding – complete web site, analysis grants, public well being advocacy, affected person help, podcasts, occasions, clinician training and extra – displays Jim’s expertise, empathy and intelligence.
Jim was actually considered one of a form and we are going to without end be grateful to him for creating and rising CanLyme to the place it’s at the moment. Jim – you have been a pleasure to work with and you’ll by no means be forgotten.
We’re in communication with Jim Wilson’s household and we’re amassing reminiscences and photographs to share. If in case you have a reminiscence you need to share, please e-mail us at info [at] canlyme [dot] com.
