We have just learned the heartbreaking news that Dr. Neil Spector, M.D. has passed away. Dr. Spector was a Duke oncologist, cancer researcher, author, and beloved friend to many.
Dr. Spector was known in the Lyme community as the author of “Gone in a Heartbeat: A Physician’s Search for True Healing,” published in 2015.
In 1993, Dr. Spector began experiencing health problems. Doctors neglected to identify the cause for four years, suggesting that the inexplicable symptoms were all in Dr. Spector’s head. He was not diagnosed with Lyme disease until 1997, when it was discovered he only had 10% heart function. In 2009, after being told he had just 72 hours to live without a heart transplant, he received a new heart. Dr. Spector’s experience with Lyme disease lead him to advise patients:
“Don’t give up the power you have within. If your gut instinct tells you that something isn’t right, you need to follow up on it.”
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Dr. Spector’s contributions to the Lyme community are many. Most recently, he turned his considerable skills to searching for answers to Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. He was very generous with his time, spending countless hours speaking to Lyme patients and physicians.
The following is a video of Dr. Spector’s presentation at 2017’s Focus on Lyme conference. In the opening moments, he gives details about his experience with Lyme disease.
The Lyme community has lost a dear friend and true hero. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Spector’s family, friends, and loved ones.
