The Lyme disease community showed up in a big way.
Tick Boot Camp recently attended the book launch of Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness by Nicole O’Donnell in Manhattan, where approximately 1,000 people filled the venue in support of a message that resonates deeply within the Lyme community: you are not alone, and your experience is real.
This wasn’t just a book event—it was a powerful moment of visibility for those living with Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
A Night That Reflected the Lyme Experience
For many in attendance, the themes of Resilient Hope felt all too familiar.
Living with Lyme disease often means navigating:
- Misdiagnosis
- Dismissal by the medical system
- Invisible symptoms
- And the emotional toll of not being believed
The phrase so many Lyme patients hear—“You look fine”—was echoed throughout the night, but inside that room, there was a shared understanding: Lyme disease is real, complex, and often invisible.
At Tick Boot Camp, we’ve heard these same experiences echoed across hundreds of conversations on our podcast, where patients, doctors, and researchers come together to validate, educate, and inspire.
The Warriors Behind Resilient Hope
One of the most powerful aspects of Resilient Hope is that it is not just Nicole’s story—it is a collective story of Lyme disease resilience.
Throughout the book, Nicole weaves in the experiences of fellow warriors, each representing a different aspect of the Lyme journey:
- Jasmin Perdomo – Invisible pain and the power of being believed
- Rachel Rusi – Strength found in shared experience and community
- Matt Sabatello – Advocacy and storytelling to amplify the Lyme voice
- Chris Foth – Finding peace within the storm of chronic illness
- Madison Pillarella – Navigating Lyme at a young age with resilience
- Carolann Love – Motherhood while battling invisible illness
- Marina Morgan – Adapting to limitations while continuing forward
- Christa Nannos – Relentless perseverance and refusing to give up
- Meghan Gioia – Fighting for a child with Lyme and redefining hope
Together, these stories are woven into Nicole’s own journey, creating a powerful narrative that reflects what so many in the Lyme community experience—but often struggle to put into words.
A Community United
The image above features the individuals whose stories are shared throughout Resilient Hope—a powerful representation of the real people behind the words.
Each person in this photo brings a unique perspective to the Lyme disease experience, yet all are connected by a shared journey of resilience, advocacy, and hope.
This isn’t just a group photo—it’s a reflection of a community that refuses to be invisible.
Matt Sabatello’s Lyme Story Featured
We are especially proud to share that Tick Boot Camp co-founder Matt Sabatello is featured in Resilient Hope.
His Lyme disease journey is included as part of this collective narrative, reinforcing the importance of sharing stories to create awareness and drive change.
At Tick Boot Camp, storytelling is central to our mission—to help people liberate themselves and others from suffering caused by Lyme disease through validation, education, and community.
Explore more stories and expert insights on our:
- 🎙 Podcast
- 👩⚕️ Doctor Interviews
Continuing the Conversation in the Tick Boot Camp Studio
Following the event, we sat down with Nicole O’Donnell for an in-person interview in the Tick Boot Camp studio, continuing the conversation around Lyme disease, resilience, and healing.
As part of our continued growth, Tick Boot Camp now offers both:
- 🎙 Virtual podcast interviews
- 🎥 In-person studio interviews onsite
Nicole’s upcoming episode will explore:
- The emotional toll of Lyme disease
- The impact of medical dismissal
- The role of community in healing
- And how to build resilient hope
Stay tuned for this powerful conversation.
A Turning Point for Lyme Disease Awareness
A nearly 1,000-person turnout in Manhattan for a book centered on experiences like Lyme disease is not just impressive—it’s important.
It signals momentum.
For too long, Lyme disease has been misunderstood and under-recognized. Events like this show that patients are stepping forward, sharing their stories, and building a stronger, more connected community.
If you’re navigating Lyme disease, we encourage you to explore:
Get the Book
Resilient Hope: A Memoir of Life With Chronic Illness is now available:
👉 Get Resilient Hope on Amazon
Final Thoughts
Resilient Hope is more than a book—it’s a reflection of the Lyme disease community’s strength, persistence, and refusal to be ignored.
At Tick Boot Camp, we are proud to stand alongside Nicole O’Donnell and the many voices featured in her work, continuing to amplify stories that matter.
Because when we share our stories, we don’t just heal ourselves—
we help others find their way forward.
