Dr. Susan Marra Receives Global Lyme Alliance Award for Excellence in Lyme Disease Treatment

In 2024, Dr. Susan Marra received a Global Lyme Alliance award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the treatment, awareness, and research of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. As the only naturopathic physician on GLA’s Medical Advisory Board, Dr. Marra is deeply honored to be acknowledged by the leading nonprofit organization in the Lyme disease community.

About the Global Lyme Alliance

The Global Lyme Alliance is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, education, and research of Lyme disease and tick-borne infections. Founded in the 1990s by a group of determined mothers in Greenwich, Connecticut, GLA emerged from a critical need: their children were suffering from mysterious, debilitating illnesses caused by tick bites—and few doctors were equipped to treat them. One of those doctors was Dr. Charles Ray Jones, a pioneering pediatrician in Hamden, Connecticut. In the 1980s, Dr. Jones identified a growing pattern of children presenting with unexplained symptoms during the summer months. Collaborating with Lyme disease advocate Polly Murray, he was among the first to connect these cases to what we now know as Lyme disease.

Dr. Jones was the only pediatrician in Connecticut at the time willing to treat children with long-term antibiotics—a controversial but life-saving approach. His work laid the foundation for what would become a growing movement to improve Lyme disease treatment and research. Dr. Marra herself trained under Dr. Jones for six years in New Haven, gaining firsthand experience in treating complex pediatric Lyme cases.

GLA’s Impact on Lyme Disease Research and Education

Since its founding, the Global Lyme Alliance has:

• Raised over $20 million to support groundbreaking research into Lyme disease diagnostics and treatments
• Funded more than 20 scientific research projects focused on finding a cure
• Educated thousands of patients and providers through public outreach, resources, and events
  Maintained an up-to-date database of trained Lyme-literate doctors across the United States

Their mission continues to grow as Lyme disease and co-infections become more widespread across the U.S. and the world. You can find a wealth of educational materials, treatment guidance, and doctor listings on their website: www.globallymealliance.org

Dr. Marra’s Role and Recognition

Dr. Susan Marra has served on the Medical Advisory Board of the Global Lyme Alliance for several years, collaborating with leading physicians across the country to advance research and improve diagnostics and treatment protocols. The board meets quarterly to review ongoing projects and help shape the direction of future studies.

In recognition of her 26 years of dedicated clinical work treating patients with Lyme disease and co-infections, Lyme disease specialist Dr. Marra was awarded the 2024 Global Lyme Alliance Award: Service Award. This honor reflects her leadership in the field and her continued commitment to improving outcomes for those affected by this often misunderstood illness. Read some of Dr. Marra’s blogs now.

“It’s a privilege to be part of such an impactful organization and to help further research, education, and treatment for this growing epidemic,” said Dr. Marra. “I encourage everyone to learn more about GLA’s work and consider supporting their mission.”

Support the Global Lyme Alliance

Dr. Marra invites you to explore the incredible work GLA is doing and consider contributing to their mission. Whether through donations or by sharing their resources, your support helps fund critical research and improve care for millions affected by Lyme disease. You can also consider donating to their research. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today with Dr. Susan Marra

Ready to take the next step with your chronic illness? Contact Dr. Marra today to schedule an appointment or call (206) 299-2676 and discover how we can help you achieve your goals. Before your first visit, check out our FAQ. Follow Dr. Marra on Facebook and leave a comment. We look forward to hearing from you!