Two friends on a cross-Canada “Ride for Lyme”

REGINA – Two childhood friends are embarking on a journey across Canada in order to help increase discussion about Lyme disease.

Daniel Corso and Tanner Cookson, accompanied by Daniel’s father, began their ride in Victoria, BC, and will end in St. John’s, Nfld – covering more than 8,000 kilometres

Lyme disease, transferred to humans through tick bites, is difficult to diagnose because its symptoms mimic other illnesses. There have been only three reported cases of Lyme disease in Saskatchewan in the past decade.

The two riders have code named the trek “The Adelaine Project” in honour of a friend who has been diagnosed with the disease.

“She was a marathon runner and a brilliant student,” said Corso. “Five years ago she was bit by a tick, went undiagnosed, misdiagnosed and mistreated for the disease.

“To keep a long story short, she’s now crippled by Lyme disease.”

The two friends have already raised about $10,000 and are hoping donations will push them to their goal of $100,000 for Lyme disease research.