The mission of LE&RN is deeply personal to me. My daughter, a passionate and competitive dancer who trains over 15 hours each week, began experiencing unexplained swelling in her ankle and foot about three years ago. Although she felt no pain, I trusted my instincts and took her to a well-respected orthopedic specialist. After multiple scans and x-rays, we were told it was likely the result of an old injury.

As the swelling progressed over the following year, I returned to the same physician, who this time referred us to a vascular surgeon. That visit changed everything—my daughter was diagnosed with Lymphedema Praecox, a rare form of Primary Lymphedema that typically presents in adolescence. She is now one of the few—an estimated 1 in 100,000—living with this chronic and often misunderstood condition.

Lymphedema is caused by a compromised lymphatic system and results in localized swelling, often affecting mobility and quality of life. Though there is currently no cure, LE&RN is a beacon of hope, funding essential research and advocating for awareness on a global scale.

Through the LE&RN Boca Raton Chapter, I am committed to raising awareness, supporting families, and helping to build a future where no one feels alone in their diagnosis. We must continue to educate, advocate, and push forward—because our children deserve answers, support, and ultimately, a cure.