Dr. Abigail Leslie is a distinguished certified occupational therapist, lymphedema specialist, and the visionary CEO of Lymphanoint Global Therapeutic Academy of Lymphatics (LGTAL). With a profound commitment to improving the lives of individuals affected by lymphedema and other chronic conditions, she has dedicated her career to advancing rehabilitation, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare.

As a healthcare professional with a deep commitment to improving patient outcomes, I am passionate about expanding access to lymphedema care and education, particularly in regions where awareness and resources are limited. I am particularly focused on Kenya, where lymphedema, especially in cancer patients and those with chronic conditions, remains largely underdiagnosed and underreported. With the growing number of cancer survivors and the increasing global focus on chronic disease management, there is a significant opportunity to raise awareness and provide education on how to manage and prevent lymphedema in Kenya.

The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) has long been at the forefront of promoting lymphedema research, education, and advocacy. Their mission aligns perfectly with my personal and professional goals of educating both healthcare providers and patients about the challenges posed by lymphedema. Joining the LE&RN chapter provides an invaluable platform for raising awareness in Kenya, which is crucial for ensuring that healthcare professionals understand the significance of early detection and proper management of the condition.

In Kenya, the healthcare infrastructure faces numerous challenges, including limited access to specialized care, diagnostic tools, and rehabilitation services. As a result, many individuals with lymphedema suffer in silence, not fully understanding the condition, its impact on their quality of life, or the available management options. My goal in joining LE&RN is to help bridge these gaps, offering support through education, creating local partnerships, and building a network of healthcare professionals equipped to diagnose and treat lymphedema effectively.

Lymphedema is a chronic condition that requires ongoing care, and early intervention is critical to preventing more severe complications. Unfortunately, due to the limited resources available in Kenya, many patients are diagnosed too late, which leads to higher treatment costs and poorer health outcomes. Through initiatives such as training healthcare workers, distributing educational materials, and using digital platforms to spread awareness, I hope to create sustainable change.

The presence of an LE&RN chapter focused on Kenya could also lead to collaborative research opportunities, which could contribute to better evidence-based practices for managing lymphedema in low-resource settings. Additionally, leveraging the reach of LE&RN’s advocacy campaigns will help ensure that more attention is paid to lymphedema as a critical aspect of cancer care and chronic disease management in Kenya and other parts of Africa.

By working together with the LE&RN chapter, I aim to amplify efforts to raise awareness of lymphedema as a condition that deserves greater recognition, compassion, and medical attention in Kenya. This collaboration would not only improve care for those already living with lymphedema but would also help reduce the stigma surrounding the condition and ensure that patients receive timely, effective, and compassionate care.