b'were trying to understand the diagnosis and how they can bestKATHLEEN GRUBBSsupport him. More research on lymphedema and treatments(and hopefully a cure) would greatly help not only my friendsSan Diego, CAfamily but other families in similar situations. I was diagnosed with lymphedema after my 6th (ish) bout of cellulitis. I woke on the morning of my wedding with a fever and severe leg and lymph node pain and decided it was time to figureLISA GAINSLEY it out. I had experienced unexplained leg swelling off and on since Los Angeles, CA my late teens and most doctors told me to ignore it, or attributed it 37 years ago, when I was 13, my mother died from lung and brainto chronic ankle sprains from my years of college and professional cancer. This loss led me to a path of healing. My entire professionalbasketball. One doctor told me I had CHF! I managed it in my 20s life Ive studied the lymphatic system and its effect on disease. As aand 30s by running, swimming and exercise but periodically got lymphedema therapist, Ive worked with thousands of people whoknocked down by a severe infection. Getting the proper diagnosis have lymphedema, or are at risk of developing it. The work is bothand treatment have been the key to my improved quality of life, rewarding and FRUSTRATING! The treatment is akin to placinghealth and mobility, but was only possible because I had access a band-aid on a proliferating inflammatory conditionthe to a health care provider who finally listened and was willing tools therapists are given to help their clients are archaic andto do the research.insufficientand not unilaterally covered by all insurance plans!My clients are often told by doctors that they cant find whatsBARBARA HARMERwrong with them. Surgeons dont inform them of the risks prior toCoronado, CAtreatment for which theres no cure! There are more warnings on Tylenol bottles and yet we still have to lobby Congress for fundingI am a cervical cancer survivor of eight years. Shortly after surgery for education and awareness!and treatment I developed lymphedema in my left leg. This is now Its time to SHINE THE LIGHT ON THE PLIGHT OFa life long disease I am left to deal with. Lymphedema is physically LYMPHATIC DISEASE AND DYSFUNCTION. If we can and emotionally debilitating. Everyday is a battle to stay healthy. cure AIDS, we can cure lymphedema! There is so much more to be done within the medical community to help the millions who suffer from lymphedema. Funds are If you or your loved one faced a cancer diagnosis and the treatmentdesperately needed for finding a cure and helping find better therapiesled to a disfiguring disease, I know you would become our biggestfor patients. Education for doctors, nurses and therapists. Please ally. Please dont wait for this disease to hit your own family. help us in fighting this disease so we all can live a better life.Act now, save lives, fund the cure, and be a hero!Lymphatic Health = Immune Health! CHRIS HARMERJAY GRANZOW Coronado, CAMy wife was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. After surgery, chemo, Torrance, CA radiation, and treatments, in 2012 we found that my wife had Every person suffering from lymphedema or lipedema deserves thelymphedema. We discovered this disease by Googling and tryingopportunity to regain physical mobility and health. More fundingto find out why one of her legs was swollen and retaining fluid.for timely treatment, training, and care is essential.My wife is a survivor, and I thank God she is. It has changed ourway of life, from exercise, diet, and physical activities. Insurance Lymphatic diseases are difficult and unique disorders that can becompanies do not recognize this (for the most part) as a life-medically treated with proper early diagnosis, therapies andthreatening disease. There are millions that are affected with surgical intervention to stop the pain and suffering that Ive lymphedema. It amazes me how dangerous it is, and how poorly seen so many patients have to experience.we seem to care about it. We need to focus on the problem, I implore you to support and fight alongside our lymphedemaacknowledge it, and make it a national cause to provide the very and lipedema warriors. best care and treatment for people like my wife,and all of those affected. If you take the time to learn about this disease, the more you will understand how help and funding is needed. You havea great opportunity to provide funding for those affected, training, and care givers. Please listen and help.There are millions that are affected with lymphedema. It amazes me how dangerous it is, and how poorly we seem to care for it.Chris Harmer, Coronado, CAAN AMERICAN TRAGEDY 8'