b'Ive never had a problem with swelling in my feet or legs. In 2015STACY VOTTOmy legs swelled up I was diagnosed with lymphedema. My legs are swollen and I cant bend my knees which makes it very difficult toGuilford, CTsit in my wheelchair. I have watched my sister suffer with lymphedema for much of her life. When she was diagnosed, approximately 20 years ago, there were very few resources to help her cope with and treat this KERRI ROSSI ailment. As a result, her condition worsened over time and has RIdgefield, CT negatively impacted her physically, emotionally, and financially. Drew, oursecond daughter, turned 3 on March 9th. She was bornIncreased funding and awareness will help people with this with a swollen left foot. It soon was obvious to us that she wasdebilitating problem find relief and hopefully protect future swollen on her left side from her waist down. No one knew wheregenerations from suffering needlessly.to send us. This was extremely frustrating, anxiety producing, exhausting, and worrisome. We continued to take her for testing,KATHLEEN MULLIGANlooking for answers, but nothing was confirmed. After a year plus of routine follow-ups, ultrasounds, and blood work, the definitiveWilmington, DEdiagnosis was made in July 2018. We are so thankful to finally haveI developed lymphedema in 2015 from treatments for ovarian a diagnosis: primary lymphedema. This means she has a congenitalcancer in 2010. Before that, I acted full-time for 30 years on stage, disorder causing a malformation in the lymphatic drainage systemin television, film, and commercials. I traveled, worked on new specific to this area of her body only. Instead of the body circulatingprojects all the time, met creative people and used skills I hadand filtering lymph fluid throughout the body, the lymph fluid inspent a lifetime honing. I supported my family, was active in my this area collects in the subcutaneous tissues causing swelling. community, and even did the Avon 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer The challenge now is learning how to help Drew live with thisnine times! I was a crew leader for Habitat for Humanity. I taught chronic progressive disease. There are no treatments, justcreative dramatics to children to share the joy of acting.preventative measures. She wears a compression stocking duringIn 2015, that all ended. My leg swelled up to three times its sizethe day, and a nighttime garment at night to help control theand I was completely sidelined. It took months to diagnose me and swelling. Our family is getting involved to share Drews story inanother year to find proper treatment. I have physical therapy two order to raise awareness, help other families without direction, andhours daily and wear compression 24/7. I cant work as an actor and find a cure. She is an amazing young girl with a huge personality,cant do the physical things that I used to enjoy. and at a young age already an advocate for this disease. I am told there is no cure for lymphedema. I dont believe that. Millions of Americans are held hostage by lymphedema. Please YVONNE STOOPS support research for a cure to free us from this captivity and Collinsville, CT allow us to live our best lives again.When I was 12 years old, one of my ankles became swollen. Fortunately for me, after ruling out any other possibilities, KIMBERLY GLOVERI was diagnosed with primary lymphedema. I say fortunatelyWashington, DCbecause I was to learn later how long some people live without aI was born and raised in Washington, DC. I started experiencing diagnosis. Soon after, my other ankle swelled as well, and I haveswelling of my left leg after I had an inguinal hernia surgery.managed my progressive condition by wearing compressionI was misdiagnosed for a couple of years, given fluid pills, and told stockings for the past 40 or so years. I was extremely self-consciousto elevate my legs. After visiting about ten doctors, a definitive of my looks as a young woman, and I believe that this adverselydiagnosis was given: I was diagnosed with secondary lymphedema. affected and delayed my social development. Only with the adventI was not properly educated on how serious or life-altering of the Internet and research organizations such as LE&RN, have having lymphedema would be. Currently, Im in 24-hour I been able to tell my storybecause this became the only way compression, wearing both day and night garments, which is I have even understood my story myselfand the only way I havecovered by insurance. I also use a pneumatic pump for an hour a been able to tell any doctor about it, not one of whom knew about itday. Ive definitely had a range of emotions, from feeling isolated to before meeting me. The financial hardship has been substantial andempowerment. I decided to use my life experiences on living life yet, because it has always been there, somehow, I have alwayswith lymphedema and lymphedema advocacy and share them on budgeted for it. That was the status quo until 2016 when, for twomy blog at www.Keepitmovindc.org.years, I fought five successive bouts of cellulitis, three of which required hospitalizations. None of those were in the budget!The condition is progressive, and I am getting older. I can onlyCOLLEEN AUDETTEhope that when I become eligible for Medicare and am on a fixedMicco, FLincome when I retire, that I will be able to receive adequate care and treatment. Please vote YES! After having a lymph node removed due to a melanoma on my arm, I got the OK from the doctors that all was good. Six weeks later my breast became red and swollen and I had fever and chills.I was given an antibiotic and it went away. This reoccurred 14 times AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 14'