b'KACEY WOODMAN comfort and quality of life to so many who suffer from it.And for our boy, we would love better treatments and optimally for San Francisco, CA a cure to be found so he can be his energetic, fun, witty self, without When my baby cousin was born in August 2016, his birth was the worry that comes with this disease.met with lots of joy but also fear as the doctor was concernedwith swelling in his body that was at the time undiagnosed (later diagnosed as congenital lymphedema). Once we were able to meetMARIE APODACAhim, we were so in love with the cute boy but still worried as no oneColorado Springs, COknew what treatment could be done nor what complications couldMy journey with lymphatic diseases started around puberty.arise in the future. I went misdiagnosed for almost 20 years before I became my Currently his lymphedema is managed by custom daytime andown advocate and wouldnt just take You need to eat more nighttime compression garments. He is a big trooper wearing thesesalads as the answer for why my legs were getting exponentially and his parents sacrifice to make sure they are able to continue tolarger than the rest of my body. I dove head first into all things get him more as he grows. He is an active, sweet boy and our familylymphatics as soon as I found an answer for why my legs were would love to have more answers to make sure were caring for himgetting larger, heavier, and had infections that couldnt be addressed in the best way we can. by simply eating more salads. I was honored to speak with the CEO of the American Medical Association in 2016 to make him aware of how we desperately need the upcoming doctors to learn KATHIE WOODMAN more about the lymphatic system. I have helped raise over $48,000 Lafayette, CA for research into lymphatic diseases; but I soon found out that there My nephew was born with lymphedema almost four years ago. is so much more needed for others like me.He is an amazing kid and so full of life and fun. His lymphedemaUnfortunately, insurance doesnt pay for most of the therapy, primarily presents in his feet, legs, and hands. He requires specialmedical garments that I (and others like me) NEED to control these shoes to be made since nothing on the market will fit his severelylymphatic diseases. There are NO other options for anyone like me swollen and rounded feet. He also has to wear compression pantsdealing with lymphedema and lipedema other than physical and gloves. Its not only difficult finding compression garments thattherapy and garments. This is UNACCEPTABLE!help alleviate the symptoms, its also very uncomfortable for him inI plead with Congress for myself and other lymphatic patientsthe heat. Can you imagine wearing compression pants and glovesto help us to find a CURE for these diseases! You would wanton a hot summer day? The risk of infection without the garmentsthe same for those you love! We just want the same chance to live is also very worrisome. A cure for this disease would bringwithout deciding between groceries and medical care for these diseases we NEVER asked for.As Emmas mother,this disease andlack of knowledge surrounding it is literally killing us both.TIFFANY DETLEFSEN New YorkAN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 12'