STATEMENT OF ASSEMBLYMAN FRED W. THIELE, JR. FOR THE NOVEMBER 9, 2000 RALLY IN SUPPORT OF DR. JOSEPH BURRASCANO, JR., M.D.
The myriad of issues surrounding Lyme disease - research, scientific integrity, diagnosis and treatment modalities - have become the basis for an increasingly heated debate between government agencies, medical professional, patients and their families. Under close scrutiny are medical professionals who disagree with the current standard protocol of 3-4 weeks of antibiotic treatment for Lyme Disease, and are aggressively treating this insidious disease with a long-term antibiotic regimen.
Dr. Burrascano began treating Lyme patients in the mid 1980’s on eastern Long Island, an area said to have the highest case rate of Lyme Disease in the world. He has managed the care of thousands of patients with this disease from forty-two states and eleven countries. Physicians from all around the world call him daily for his advice and his copyrighted guidelines for diagnosis and treatment is in its thirteenth edition and has been translated into three languages.
Lyme Disease can present as a terribly serious illness and until there is a diagnostic tool that can positively identify this insidious disease, we must work together to ensure that our constituents, friends and family are able to receive the best care possible.
I receive hundreds of letters weekly from constituents and patients expressing their strong support for Dr. Burrascano, lauding his efforts and accomplishments in the field of Lyme Disease treatment. In consideration of the controversy surrounding this issue, and the knowledge and dedication of this physician, I respectfully requested of the Governor, that he intercede to halt this review until the validity of the charges against Dr. Burrascano can be confirmed. Lyme Disease has adversely impacted the lives of many of my constituents and I do not want to see them denied access to Dr. Burrascano if they could be helped by his treatment modalities.
FRED W. THIELE, JR. Assemblyman 2nd district
