At just 21 Tahlia’s life is both confined and defined by the parasite.

And while it remains unclear whether Tahlia contracted the disease – spread by tick bites – in Australia or America, Tahlia suspects the former.

Because it was here, in Australia, where she collapsed and came out in a rash – symptomatic of the disease.

The debate over the existence of Lyme disease in Australia continues to polarise the country.

But this year – with a growing number of people claiming to have contracted the disease from tick bites in Australia – the conversation surrounding Lyme disease has grown even louder.

And it will continue to grow until more research has taken place.

Earlier this year Maitland members of the Country Women’s Association pushed for politicians and decision makers in the health sector to look into the contraction of the potentially fatal disease.

The CWA members believe Lyme disease needs to be recognised as a legitimate medical condition and that it can be contracted in Australia.

Maybe it’s time for the people of Maitland to follow suit.

We are certainly not powerless when it comes to helping Tahlia.

Aside from obviously raising money for her to travel to Germany for treatment, we can also flex our ­political muscle and call for what’s needed at a national level.