BROOKFIELD, Wis. — As we enter Wisconsin’s warmer months, tick season is beginning. Ticks can be dangerous because they can cause Lyme Disease.

Stacey Kremel, who lives in Oconomowoc, has battled the disease for over two decades.

Stacey Kremel is a volunteer photographer for Elmbrook Humane Society, Brookfield. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

“Before 2002, I was a travel agent, I’d just gotten married and then I got sick, and I was not able to work anymore,” said Kremel.

Kremel said she was bedridden for the first few years before being officially diagnosed with Lyme disease.

Once she stabilized, she taught herself photography, and she said it became a form of therapy.

(Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

Kremel said she knew she couldn’t work full time, so she decided to volunteer at Elmbrook Humane Society in Brookfield, despite her physical pain.

“Lyme Disease affects me daily. I feel pretty awful all the time with pain everywhere and migraines. You name it, I have it. But I just need to work past that, and being part of Elmbrook Humane Society makes me feel like I have a purpose,” she said.

Kremel takes pictures of the shelter animals for Elmbrook’s website. She said she strives to show the true personality of the shelter pets, hoping to get them adopted.

“I show their true personalities through these photos. Just one photo can really touch someone’s soul and have them come in and want to meet these dogs,” said Kremel.

Lilac is up for adoption at Elmbrook Humane Society. She has been at the shelter since December 2023. She is described by shelter staff as smart, loving and playful. (Spectrum News 1/Wendy Strong)

Carol Sumbry is Elmbrook Humane Society’s behavior and training manager. She said Kremel has helped hundreds of animals get adopted.

“We are all facing things, but she has a lot of struggles and a lot of challenges, and I know sometimes it would probably be easier for her not to get out of bed, or maybe she doesn’t feel well, but she is always here and giving her best,” said Sumbry.

Kremel said she hopes if she keeps giving her best, others will be inspired.

“There are so many people out there who have illnesses and Lyme Disease, and your life is not over if you have a chronic illness. There are so many things you can do, and you can have purpose in your life, and I found purpose through volunteering,” said Kremel.

To adopt Lilac at the Elmbrook Humane Society, click here.