TickTracker 1.4.1

The TickTracker app was born out of a real-life experience when Olivia, a 13-year-old vacationing in Missouri, spotted a tick on her dog and wondered if there was an app that could help track ticks in their area. After discovering that no such app existed, Olivia took matters into her own hands and created the TickTracker app with the aim of promoting safety for all.

Olivia's motivation stems from her personal battle with chronic Lyme and co-infections since she was just 6 years old. As a Lyme advocate and founder of The LivLyme Foundation, she is committed to supporting researchers and scientists who are tirelessly working towards finding effective treatments and ultimately, a cure for Lyme disease.

The LivLyme Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, also provides essential aid to children and their families who are grappling with the challenges posed by Lyme disease. Their program includes education and financial support.

Lyme disease is a growing concern in the United States, with over 350,000 people diagnosed each year. This means there are approximately 29,000 new cases each month, 959 new cases daily, and a staggering 40 new cases every hour. In fact, Lyme disease is spreading more rapidly than any other tick-borne illness, surpassing even breast cancer by 1.5 times and HIV/AIDS by 7 times. Shockingly, around 200 children are diagnosed with Lyme disease every single day — that's equivalent to four school busloads of children.

Treating Lyme disease comes at a hefty price tag — exceeding $1 billion annually or roughly $3,000 per patient per year. However, the cost can skyrocket to a range of $10,000 to $100,000 for patients suffering from Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS). Unfortunately, most insurance plans only cover treatment for the first month, leaving patients responsible for the expenses of medication, supplements, and ongoing care.

A further challenge faced by Lyme disease patients is the rising cost of essential medications. The price of Doxycycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic for Lyme disease, has surged from just $0.03 per pill in 2014 to over $5.00 per pill. For many patients, two pills a day are necessary. Without sufficient assistance, some children may be unable to afford the crucial medication they need.