Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon who set up their petition through his website, is pleased with the support his constituents are showing for Lyme disease sufferers like Tahlia Smith of Raworth and former Newcastle Knights Player Ryan Stig who have both sought treatment in Germany.

The Mercury reported on Monday how Tahlia had a major setback with her treatment, having to be flown to Belgrade for specialist care.

Her father Brett posted on her Facebook page that Tahlia was experiencing a lot of pain from her second stem cell operation and became unwell with her stomach swelling and her pain becoming worse. His most recent post, however, said that test results have shown Tahlia has had an internal bleed in her stomach.

“She is on antibiotics and still in a lot of pain,” Mr Smith said.

To sign the petition go to http://www.joelfitzgibbon.com/lymedisease