FAQ

What is the mission of the gala?
Awareness and education of Lyme disease as a major health issue and as a reflection of modern day health care issues, as brilliantly and poignantly portrayed in the award winning documentary Under Our Skin.
How much does it cost to attend?
The event is by invitation and is being underwritten by the generosity of donors and sponsors, so there is no cost to attend. However, we are strongly encouraging tax deductible donations to the Turn the Corner Foundation, one of the sponsors of the event. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so before or after the event by visiting our donation page. If you would like to make a pledge at the gala, there will be an opportunity to do so while you are there.
What should I wear to the Gala?
Cocktail attire is requested.
What time does the Gala begin and end?
The Gala begins at 6:00 pm promptly followed by the showing of Under Our Skin. A brief awards ceremony will follow and will conclude no later than 9:30pm. Our guests are welcome to stay and enjoy dessert, coffee and good conversation afterwards.
Will parking be difficult to find and how can I be sure to find the theatre?
Directions are under the Event tab on the main page of this website. Most guests will arrive from the I- 485 interchange and travel south on Johnston Road to the Ballantyne Theatre which has a champagne glass top and is the tallest structure in the area. Drive past this landmark to the John Delaney Blvd and turn right. A parking garage is conveniently located just over a block from the John Delaney Blvd intersection and within easy walking distance of the Ballantyne Theatre. We plan on having several attendants assist with directional parking and valet parking as needed. In addition, we intend to have lighted signage assisting our guests as they arrive at the corner of John Delaney Blvd and Johnston Road.
What will be served at the Gala?
The Gala is being catered by the Village Bistro of Ballantyne. The menu can be viewed here.
Will there be alcohol served at the Gala?
Yes. We will be passing White wine and champagne to our guests. Beer and soft drinks will be available at one of two bar tables located on the mezzanine level at the Ballantyne theatre.
Do you offer guests special rates at nearby hotels for the night of the Gala?
Yes. Staybridge Suites and the Courtyard by Marriott are offering special rates to guests of the Into the Light Gala (map/directions).
Is transportation provided to and from the Gala?
No. Transportation to and from the Gala is not provided, but there are shuttle buses that may charge a small fee from the hotels to the Ballantyne Village Theatre in the Ballantyne area.
Who will be attending the Gala?
Andy Abrahams Wilson, the director of Under Our Skin will be attending, as well as several individuals who appear in the film. The film will be emceed by film subject and author Jordan Fischer-Smith. A distinguished cross section of physicians, friends, and Lyme advocates will be present. True to its mission as an awareness event, the gala is also anticipating a rich blend of elected officials and regional officials charged with implemented and shaping medical policy; as a corollary, we anticipate a large media contingent during the evening and lots of photo opportunities.
If I have other questions that are not answered in the FAQ, where should I send my question?
Please contact Michele Barth Thomas at mthomas@jemsekspecialty.com or 803-396-5885 ext 212.

Facts About Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne infectious disease in the U.S.
It is a multi-symptom disease, which means it can affect every part of the human body.
Everyone is susceptible to Lyme disease, and its symptoms can often mirror those of other illnesses, such as Multiple Sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, making it very difficult to diagnose.
Estimates state that only one out of every ten cases of Lyme disease is reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Contributing to the confusion are the CDC acknowledged inadequacies of current diagnostic tests for Lyme.
Physicians' lack of experience with the disease can be contributed to the deficiency of appropriate training programs, the fear of reprisal from their respective Medical Boards, and the differing schools of thought on how to treat Chronic Lyme.
Left untreated, Lyme disease can be devastating to its victims.

Some Facts About Our Sponsors

Turn The Corner Foundation

Turn the Corner Foundation is dedicated to the support of research, education, awareness and innovative treatments for Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases. Turn the Corner is actively involved with projects that:

Provide Research: Turn the Corner funds various cutting-edge research projects at accredited universities and medical centers focusing on these innovative treatment and diagnostic options.
Provide Education: The Physicians Training Program allows healthcare professionals to train with a Lyme-literate doctor to bring this newfound knowledge to their home community, often becoming the only Lyme-literate doctor in their area.
Provide Awareness: Turn the Corner has become the official Outreach Partner to Under Our Skin, an award-winning documentary which reveals Lyme disease to be the fastest growing infectious disease in the United States, and highlights the medical and political dimensions of Lyme disease and the emerging epidemic which has affected a countless number of lives.

National Capital Lyme and Tick Borne Disease Association

The National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association strives to improve the quality of life for people suffering from Lyme and other Tick-Borne illnesses by offering support and disseminating information that educates and empowers patients, families, healthcare workers, and the community at large about these diseases. Their strategic objectives are to build support, to increase awareness and to find a cure. Their goals are advanced through teamwork and collaboration with other patient and professional groups throughout the country.