Sen. Helming Joins Canandaigua Couple to Advocate for Lyme Disease Awareness

ALBANY – Senator Pam Helming invited Canandaigua residents John Messina and Maureen Kanaley-Messina to participate in Lyme Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in Albany on June 3, 2019. The couple became staunch advocates for those suffering from Lyme and tick-borne diseases and their families and started the Ontario County Lyme Support Group following John’s own diagnosis with Lyme Disease. Senator Helming and the Messinas participated in the Take a Bite Out of Lyme Disease challenge to raise awareness of Lyme disease education and prevention. As part of Lyme Advocacy Day, the Messinas hosted an informational booth in the Capitol along with other advocates from around New York State.

“Lyme and other tick-borne diseases continue to be a serious threat across our region and around our state. Since taking office as State Senator, I have proudly advocated on behalf of those suffering from these illnesses as well as the medical and public health professionals working with them. Through this fight, I have had the privilege of working with John and Maureen and other Lyme disease advocates throughout the Wayne-Finger Lakes region. With their input, last year my Senate colleagues and I provided historic funding for research into Lyme and tick-borne diseases and enacted measures aimed at preventing and treating these illnesses. This funding continues to be leveraged for a variety of research projects around New York State, and the measures are making a difference for those suffering from Lyme and tick-borne diseases and their families. I will keep working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle and local grassroots organizations to help combat this growing public health concern. Thank you to John, Maureen, and the Ontario County Lyme Support Group for being an integral part of this mission,” Senator Helming said.