b'Ive lived with this disease for 32 years. With every decision or choice I make in life, the very first thing I consider is the impact it will have on my leg.CATHERINE HOLLEY Quincy, MAJUAN REYES JENNIFER RODRIGUEZSacramento, CA Bakersfield, CALymphedema is a serious chronic disease that plagues nearly I developed lymphedema as a result of having my lymph nodes 10 million Americans who are either born with the condition orremoved after a surgical removal of a tumor. I have lymphedema in who develop it as a result of trauma, surgical insult, radiationboth legs. I struggle daily with pain and body image issues because therapy, or a combination of these factors. of the way this disease has distorted my body. In an effort to In fact, the National Cancer Institute predicts a 42% increase inmaintain this disease, I am only allotted two pairs (per YEAR) of cancer survivors 65 years of age or older by 2020, and as many ascompression garments. One to wear, one to wash. Do we expect 1.5 to 3 million Medicare beneficiaries who are cancer survivorsthe same of peoples underwear?? This is ridiculous. I pray for a will require treatment for their lymphedema. cure but in the meantime, I pray people get what they need to maintain this condition. Maintenance of this disease will prevent Timely diagnosis and treatment are often not available to patients,hospital visits for cellulitis which will drive up medical costs. If left particularly those in rural areas, making lymphedema moreuntreated, there is decreased mobility and functionality of the parts difficult to manage with more negative health consequences due affected. I just want to live a normal and functional life as a to delays in diagnosing and treating the condition. contributing member of society. We need your help now!HELENE ROBERTS-KEPHART ALYSSA SEPULVEDACoronado, CA Modesto, CAMy dear friend was diagnosed with lymphedema shortly afterMy experience with lymphedema is watching a sweet little boy battling cervical cancer. I am shocked to learn what little conquer the obstacles he has been given at birth. He has swollen research is done on lymphatic disease, much less taught to ourlegs and hands, making learning basic motor skills difficult at doctors and nurses in their education process. Education of times. More research is imperative to learn about what causesthis important cause is key. Please fund research for a cure forthis disease and a cure for it.lymphatic disease.AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 10'