Avril Lavigne: My music saved my life after Lyme disease diagnosis

9 January 2020

Avril Lavigne's own music "saved her life" during her battle with Lyme disease.

Avril Lavigne

As Justin Bieber revealed he is battling the debilitating illness, Avril - who has previously spoke out about her diagnosis - opened up about how writing her music and compiling her album helped to save her life and keep her going.

In a lengthy post, she wrote: "Today @JustinBieber shared that he has Lyme disease. There are too many people that have this debilitating disease! People I love and care about and many friends and fans I have crossed paths with. To everyone affected by Lyme, I want to tell you that there is HOPE. Because Lyme is a daily struggle, for the better part of two years, I was really sick and fighting for my life. Writing #HeadAboveWater helped me get through the worst of it, but the bad days still come and go. At the time, putting together my album saved my life.

"I needed to tell my story and to be able to share my experiences with others. Lyme disease is in all 50 states in the US and in EVERY country in the world, except Antarctica. It is a global pandemic but NOT a global priority. I never want others to suffer the way that I did, and because of that it is now my mission to raise awareness & funds that will help eradicate this life-altering disease. Portions of proceeds from every show on the rest of the #HeadAboveWater tour and merch sales will continue to go directly to Lyme disease. I will continue to fight and to support! (sic)"

And Avril urged her followers to check out her foundation, which is supporting people battling with Lyme disease.

She added: "@TheAvrilLavigneFoundation supports people with Lyme Disease, serious illness or disabilities. We raise awareness and aid PREVENTION of the Lyme epidemic. We impact the lives of individuals and families affected by Lyme Disease through TREATMENT grants administered by our charitable partners; and we've aligned with @globallymealliance to accelerate scientific research.

"Please, JOIN US as we endeavor to educate people, prevent the spread of Lyme and find a cure. Our initiatives enable us to provide HOPE and expand the number of lives we're able to transform. TOGETHER we can do this. #FightLyme #LymeIsReal #TheAvrilLavigneFoundation (sic)"