a blog post by William Repicci, LE&RN Executive Director

The world seemed to shift on its axis this past weekend.

On Saturday, I sat at a dinner with LE&RN spokesperson Kathy Bates. In a speech so moving that it left the audience rapt, Ms. Bates told the stories that had been shared with her by so many who suffer from lymphedema. Our Presenting Sponsor BSN Medical proudly hosted this event that welcomed Walk fundraisers from around the country. Also in attendance were Heather Ferguson from LAG/LTA, Patricia Egan from NLN, and some who were just being introduced to our cause.

The energy was palpable and carried over into the next day when 200-plus people ran, walked, or simply cheered as LE&RN had its first California Run/Walk to Fight Lymphedema and Lymphatic Diseases.

Actor Patricia Crowley was there to make her own statement about this disease and then joined LE&RN’s Honorary Board to cement her commitment. Dr. Emily Iker, LE&RN’s California Chapter Vice-Chair, simply beamed positive energy as the organizer of this transformational event.

And then there were the host of companies supporting our efforts and the community: Bio Compressions Inc., Bio Horizons, ImpediMed/L-Dex, Juzo, Tactile Medical, Solidea, Dr. Jay Granzow and Mikimoto, our first International sponsor from the world of high fashion.

Yet, what still lingers in the air is the message that rang out from people who have lymphedema and lymphatic diseases. I think of Marie who flew in from Colorado just for this Walk and proudly stood at the finish line, defiant that the days of silence were over. I think of Angelica from Texas, starting a Chapter in her state and determined to garner everyone’s support for an October Walk in Sherman.

And then there was Lisa from California. Her armed wrapped with a compression sleeve, she talked of having had the strength of two men before she was struck with lymphedema. She bluntly talked about the pain, the strain, and how lymphedema had destroyed her life. As we parted, she called out to me saying, “Bill, you make my life easier.”

I turned and smiled. Her comment may have been addressed to me, but it was meant for all of us in this movement. It is through community that we are forging change.

Thanks to all who helped move the dial forward this weekend. We need Chapters in every state that are doing the same thing. If you are up for the challenge, contact us at LE&RN.

There is strength in numbers, there is power in visibility, and there is success ahead if we refuse to accept defeat. If you have any doubt of this, simply look at the Supreme Court decision this past week, which made same-sex marriage a Constitutional right. This didn’t happen by accident. This is what happens when a group stands tall and demands change.

This weekend I felt the same energy from the lymphedema community. With Kathy Bates as our lightening rod, there is no turning back.