May 6: Runners, Walkers, Volunteers Needed for DryHome’s Loudoun Lyme 5K to Raise Funds to Fight Serious Disease Plaguing County Residents

Leesburg, VA, April 14, 2012 --(PR.com)-- What: DryHome’s 2nd Annual Loudoun Lyme 5K will drive awareness and raise money to help find a cure for Lyme disease, the number one tick-borne illness in the U.S., which affects Loudoun County more than any other county in Virginia. The Loudoun Lyme 5K will also feature a 1M family walk and informational fair to educate the public about the disease, its causes, and treatments. Steve Gotschi, the owner of Sterling-based DryHome Roofing and Siding, started the race and walk, after watching his wife and many friends battle the disease.

Why: Home to the third largest number of Lyme’s cases in the nation, Loudoun County is facing a Lyme disease epidemic, with 22 percent of the state’s reported cases occurring in the county. According to the CDC, the US has 30,000 new cases of Lyme disease. However, the disease is difficult to diagnose and that figure may be 10 times as great.

When: May 6, 2012. Race starts at 8am, registration at 7am. Fair runs until 11 am.

Where: National Conference Center
18980 Upper Belmont Place
Lansdowne, VA 20176

Who:
· 500 runners and walkers, all ages
· Community leaders
· Health Department officials
· Lyme Disease Experts
· Medical and veterinary doctors and specialists
· Vendors
· Sponsors from throughout the community

How: The race costs $30 to enter (prior to event) and $35 (day of event). Children ages 12 and under are $15 per person ($20/person day of the event). The fair is free. Proceeds benefit the National Capital Lyme Disease Association, a nonprofit offering education and support. Along with the race, DryHome’s Loudoun Lyme 5K will have an informational fair with booths from local businesses, the medical community, vendors, and children’s activities. To learn more about the race or to register, visit www.LoudounLyme.org.

More Facts
· Lyme disease is a spirochetal infection of multiple organ systems, causing a wide range of symptoms that mimic other diseases.
· Fewer than half of patients with Lyme disease recall a tick bite or a rash.
· An uncomplicated case of chronic Lyme disease requires an average of 6-12 months of high-dose antibiotic therapy. Many patients with Lyme or tick-borne diseases require treatment for 1-4 years. No tests are available that prove a patient is cured.