There is nothing joyful about having lymphedema, but today there is reason to be glad. Why? Because today is National Lymphedema Awareness Day.
And now it’s official here in New York thanks to the dedicated team from the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). LE&RN’s staff traveled to the state legislature in Albany this morning to be on hand as two resolutions were read: one to honor Connor Looby as LE&RN’s Youth Ambassador and another to recognize March 6 as Lymphedema Awareness Day in New York.
Since more people in the U.S. suffer from lymphedema than multiple sclerosis, AIDS, muscular dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease combined, it’s about time we got a day. Maybe we should have asked for a month!
LE&RN’s executive director, Bill Repicci, wrote a must-read piece about our current ‘Lymphedemic’, as he calls it, and LE&RN’s progress in championing our cause.
So many of Bill’s observations are spot-on. A stand out is that one of our challenges is “a medical profession that has too often instilled in patients the idea that there are worse things than lymphedema, and that suffering quietly is a noble approach.”
How do we overcome this hurdle? Lymphedema Awareness Day is a good start.
Lymphedema Diary 
Wonderful to know that there has been a day designated to bring awareness to lymphedema. Frequently when I’ve mentioned that my daughter-in-law has lymphedema many responded that they have never heard of it!
One step at a time …one word at a time… One day we will be recognised!!
Just wonderful, Britta. And thanks for the good words. We make a great team getting out the word and further motivating the movement.
We just had a great day in Albany, with resolutions read and introductions in the Assembly and Senate. There was so much support and Connor was the perfect honoree who really brought home the issue to the legislators.
I forwarded your blog to our board and other select members, and I’m sure Laura will repost it when she gets back from Albany.
Best, Bill
Congratulations on a great day, Bill. And thank you for all that you do on behalf of patients like me. We were all with you in spirit on the floor of the senate and assembly. Tomorrow will be another great day: http://lymphatic.donorpages.com/LERNMarch2014/