Imagine the unimaginable. You’re 17 years old and exhausted to the point of sleeping 16 hours a day. Feeling dizzy and passing out are your new norms. After visits to specialists and hospitals and countless tests, no one can give you answers or solutions.
In the back of your mind, you remember a childhood story about a bullseye rash on your forearm during a hike with your family. While too young to remember the rash, ER visit or first time a nurse mentioned “Lyme disease” or “tick bite” – you and your family begin a relentless pursuit to learn if this mysterious disease might apply to you. This journey has not only been an inexplicable reality for Scarlett Woodward of Highlands Ranch, but one that has shaped her young life in profound ways.
Ticks are parasitic and can be found throughout every state in the U.S., including Colorado. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost 500,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year. There are thousands of species of ticks. While some are harmless, others can spread bacteria and viruses, causing flu-like symptoms. Wearing repellents, like DEET, are highly recommended, especially when hiking or in areas with tall grasses, shrubs and leaves. The CDC recommends seeking immediate attention if a tick bite results in a rash, as was the case for Scarlett.
While meeting with Scarlett over coffee recently, her story made me quickly realize her health challenges have altered her life in many ways, but not defined her. She recently completed her junior year in high school, traveled to Africa with the Musana Community Development Organization, and competed in Miss Colorado’s Teen pageant. As we dove deep into Scarlett's health journey, several things became apparent. Her illness has given her an appreciation for the little things many teens may take for granted, such as competing in high school sports or hanging with friends. It has also given her confidence to be an advocate for others dealing with chronic diseases and strengthened her faith.
Scarlett was diagnosed with Lyme disease in November 2024 by a doctor in Colorado who specializes in tick-borne diseases. This particular chronic illness is caused by a tick bite and symptoms can often be mistaken for the flu, POTS or other autoimmune disorders, according to Scarlett. The day she received the diagnosis was surreal; in addition to Lyme disease, she also learned her immune system was compromised in other ways. While she finally had answers and medications to begin a new path forward, the mental toll was equally difficult.
Family and faith have been Scarlett’s lifeline throughout her journey. She is passionate about helping others and recently met with Colorado representatives to be a voice for teens dealing with chronic illnesses. Shining a light on diseases, like Lyme, is important to Scarlett as they are often misunderstood and isolating. Her mission is to help others realize they are not alone. After high school, Scarlett aspires to become a nurse and specialize in chronic illness.
While Lyme disease has had a profound impact in her life, she is making the most out of every opportunity with a grateful heart. When asked about meaningful takeaways from her illness, time in Africa and experience in Miss Colorado's Teen pageant, Scarlett said “try your best, love on everyone and be kind”. She hopes her message of leading with compassion and kindness helps others, like her, who are dealing with unimaginable realities of chronic illnesses.
To learn more about Scarlett and her mission, you can follow her on Instagram @chronically_educated.