Rain on a Distant Roof with Vanessa Farnsworth
Falling Through the Cracks: Feel alive and thrive
Rain on a Distant Roof » Listen Now
Date: May 2, 2016
Episode Description
Although Lyme Disease is a growing epidemic in Canada, it continues to be ignored by the medical system. Vanessa Farnsworth, author of “Rain on a Distant Roof: A Personal Journey Through Lyme Disease in Canada” shares her story. Lyme sufferers everywhere can relate to the dismissal of doctors, ignorance of the disease, and being told that the debilitating symptoms are “all in your head”. May is Lyme awareness month. Join us Monday for the first of four in a series of Lyme centric episodes to bring awareness and information about this misunderstood disease.
Dr. Risk’s Thoughts
This was an important show for me. Of course, I am deep in the Lyme world, and bringing more awareness to this epidemic is of utmost importance. When I was diagnosed with Lyme, I had already accepted that our health care system wasn’t going to meet my needs, and it was a non-issue for me. Vanessa Farnsworth’s book brings to light one of the main issues for Lyme patients (aside from their debilitating disease): that they can’t get help. Health care is a birth right for Canadians, and we shouldn’t have to step outside the system to save our own lives. This interview brought to light the main issues we are facing today, with inaccurate tests, inaccurate reporting, and mistreatment of those who are so severely ill. .
Guest Information
Vanessa Farnsworth
Vanessa Farnsworth studied both journalism and creative writing, receiving the TJ Allen Memorial Award for Journalism from Sheridan College. Her literary fiction has appeared in journals across Canada and the US, and has been nominated for the Journey Prize. She has published more than 100 columns and articles in national and regional publications, including Canadian Gardening, Canadian Living, and Harrowsmith Country Life. Her first full-length book, Rain on a Distant Roof: A Personal Journey Through Lyme Disease in Canada(Signature Editions), is a timely call for attention to a devastating disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent in this country. Farnsworth lives in The Kootenays in southeastern BC.
