People shared their stories of pain in hopes of helping others.
On Tuesday evening, the governor's task force on lyme disease held a meeting inside Stonewall Jackson Middle School in Roanoke. About 65 people showed up.
Several testified about the pain they feel every day from lyme disease.
"I'm lucky if I can even do small tasks," says Cindy Courtright, "Today I spend most of my days on the couch. I just have to pace myself to do any type of activity."
Lyme disease is caused by ticks. People often suffer from headaches, fatigue, joint pain and memory loss.
"It changes lives, it takes kids from happy, healthy, star athletes to being wheelchair bound, bedridden," says Michael Farris who chairs the task force. His wife and children have lyme disease.
One of the biggest frustrations is diagnosis. It took Farris' wife 21 years before she got the news she had lyme disease. Several people testified about having similar problems.
People also spoke about the financial toll the disease can have on a family.
"We have had to refinance our home three times in order to pay for bills," says Joe Leblanc whose wife has lyme disease. He says many treatments aren't covered by health insurance.
The task force plans to make recommendations on how to better diagnose, prevent and treat lyme disease to Governor Bob McDonnell in May.
