Chase Collegiate Student Honored

Waterbury — Adam Harrison, a freshman at Chase Collegiate and a Newtown resident, was honored this week with the Courage Award by the Turn the Corner Foundation.

The Courage Award is given to an individual who has shown tremendous strength in his or her fight against Lyme disease. The award was presented at the Turn the Corner Foundation’s annual fundraising gala on November 3 at the Edison Ballroom in Manhattan.

Since becoming infected at the age of 3, Adam has struggled with tick-borne diseases for most of his life, according to Chase Collegiate. It was difficult to diagnose Lyme disease because he never had a rash or found the tick that was the culprit. In fourth grade Adam was infected again, this time requiring IV antibiotics. He had a shunt placed in his chest to administer his medications for two years. Adam suffered from fatigue and neurological impairment, so much so that he had to be home schooled. He spent much of the fifth grade year in bed. The summer before his eighth grade year his shunt was removed and he was ready for a fresh start. After years of treatment, Adam is now free from tick-borne illnesses.

Adam is a freshman at Chase Collegiate where he excels academically and swims competitively, according to the school.

“Even though I am free of tick-borne diseases, ticks strongly influence my lifestyle. Tick checks are a regular routine, blood tests have become a hobby of mine and traveling to Dr Jones’s office has become a tradition,” Adam said. “Instead of limiting me, we should be limiting Lyme disease.”

Adam credits Dr Charles Ray Jones of New Haven for his careful clinical diagnosis and treatment. Adam and his family strongly support the Turn the Corner Foundation.

For information on Lyme Disease or how to donate to Turn the Corner, visit www.turnthecorner.org, or medicalinfo@turnthecorner.org.