Hello everyone!

With great pleasure, I welcome you to the LE&RN Canadian Chapter. This is a huge stepping-stone for those who are suffering from Lymphedema. LE&RN has been advocating both support and research for those who are suffering with lymphatic related disorders, and they are indeed doing a fantastic job raising phenomenal awareness.

As you all know, March 6, 2016, marked the historic first ever World Lymphedema Day. This is a huge step forward in the lymphedema community! How many of us are/were somewhat afraid to speak the 'L' word to our friends and peers? How many of us are/were ashamed to show their affected limb in public? Well, I sure was. Speaking that word to those around me brought shivers down my spine because of how nervous I was. Hiding my limb would be first priority whenever I would go out in public; why was this getting to me? It's been a struggle keeping this condition under control while growing up amongst your peers, going to school, attending events.

However, times are changing. Years are passing. Research is evolving. And potential curative treatments are developing. Indeed, times have changed. I urge you all to remain hopeful, strong, and confident while dealing with your Lymphedema.

For almost 10 years now, I have been coping with this condition in my left foot. No, not easy. Not at all. When the time came that I was struck with a very aggravating attack, I was left unable to walk on my left leg for 6 months. Something had to be done. Something's got to change. Ultimately, I sought out and received a bypass surgery to help treat my lymphedema. It has been 4 years now since my surgery, and I am nothing but grateful for the results. Is my foot back to perfect condition? No. Will it ever return to normal? Maybe. Maybe not.

I am not advocating that surgery is right for everyone. However, in my case, over the past 6 months, I have been seeing incredible changes in my foot's health. The flow. The lymphatic uptake. I am able to rely more on my legs to get me through the day...something that I wasn't able to do prior to surgery.

So what does this tell us? Well, it tells us there is hope. It tells us that medicine has evolved, and is still evolving. It tells us that we can't look at lymphedema today the same way we looked at it 20 years ago. It tells us that research and technology is advancing and it is up to us to change our perspective on this condition.  Many clinics worldwide are now focusing on treatment options for lymphedema. Collectively, we will reach a solution. Collectively, we will cure lymphedema.

I wish you all nothing but strength and courage to fight through this battle on a daily basis. You are all heroes. Know that this condition brings upon you a big challenge; know that this battle will challenge you both physically and emotionally. It's a fight that never ends. But know it's a fight that you must conquer.

We WILL conquer.
Cheers,