In this compelling episode of the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, Richard Johannesen and special guest co-host Claudia Arias welcome Audrey Lambidakis. Audrey, based in Santa Cruz, California, shares her journey from a promising career in rescue and safety to overcoming the challenges of a life-altering brain injury and Lyme disease. Claudia, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, joins to provide her insights and amplify the importance of mental health in chronic illness recovery.

Episode Highlights:

Audrey’s Early Aspirations and Health Challenges

• Audrey’s background in safety work, including her time as a junior ski patrol member.
• How a knee injury and subsequent brain injury during her freshman year of college shifted her life trajectory.
• A decade-long journey of seeking treatment across the U.S., including participation in government studies and visits to top hospitals like Mayo Clinic and Stanford.

The Turning Point: Lyme Disease Diagnosis

• Misdiagnoses and dismissal by doctors who deemed her symptoms psychosomatic.
• The eventual discovery of Lyme disease as the root cause of her prolonged health struggles.
• Her experiences with Bee Venom Therapy (BVT) and the importance of Lyme-literate doctors.

Healing and Advocacy: Faith, Hope, and Action

• Audrey shares the emotional toll of navigating her health journey and the pivots that kept her moving forward.
• How faith and belief in the possibility of healing played a vital role in her recovery.
• The creation of the Healing Brain Waves Foundation to educate and raise awareness about brain injuries and their connection to Lyme disease.

Holistic Healing and Future Plans

• Audrey’s exploration of a holistic approach to recovery, incorporating mindfulness, therapy, and innovative treatments like psychedelics.
• Plans to become a nurse practitioner to bridge the gap between brain injuries and Lyme disease.
• Her advocacy work within the Mavericks surfing community to secure a hyperbaric chamber for big wave surfers.

The Broader Impact

• A discussion on the systemic lack of Lyme disease education among medical professionals.
• The critical role of patient self-advocacy in navigating complex health systems.
• Claudia and Richard emphasize the transformative power of proper diagnosis and the ripple effect of getting one person the right care.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope is essential: Even in the darkest moments, small positive changes can guide the way forward.
• Faith in healing—whether rooted in spirituality, science, or self-belief—can accelerate recovery.
• Lyme disease is often an unseen factor in brain injuries, underscoring the need for awareness and education.

Closing Thoughts:
Richard Johannesen and Claudia Arias commend Audrey’s resilience and vulnerability, celebrating her progress and unwavering dedication to helping others. This episode is a testament to the power of community, advocacy, and belief in healing.

Subscribe & Share:
If Audrey’s story inspired you, subscribe to the Tick Boot Camp Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode to spread awareness about Lyme disease and brain injuries.

Note to Listeners: Audrey’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible, no matter how daunting the journey may seem. Stay hopeful, stay informed, and join the movement to liberate others from the suffering caused by Lyme disease.