From William Repicci, President & CEO
 Looking back at what we have accomplished together in such a short period of time, and in the midst of a pandemic, amazes and humbles me. Any one of these accomplishments on its own would be a significant achievement in the best of times. To come so far on programs that are vital to the future and well-being of those who live with LE and LD is a testament to LE&RN's staff, partners, sponsors, and community.
I am pleased to present you with this month's edition of Lymphedema & Lymphatic Disease Matters. On behalf of LE&RN's staff and board, I thank you for the trust you have placed in us to move our vital agenda forward, and recognize the ongoing commitment of Supporting Members and sponsors who make this work possible. In these trying times, we can know that we are part of a community that is demanding change and is committed to seeing real and ongoing progress.
|
|
LE&RN advocacy results in call for National Lymphatic Commission
The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health responded to LE&RN's phone calls with legislators by including language in the FY 2021 Appropriations Bill calling for the establishment of a National Lymphatic Commission, also stating that NHLBI needs to increase its focus on lymphatic research and in asking for $3M in CDC chronic disease awareness grants with "lymphatic diseases" the only condition specifically mentioned. Our thanks to Kathy Bates, Tim Padera, PhD, Stan Rockson, MD, Kelly Bell, and our DC team who participated in calls.
|
|
National Action Week
 Advocates are asked to call and email legislators to request a National Lymphatic Commission and Department of Defense funding for lymphatic research. LE&RN's website has information, registration, webinar training, and downloads. LE&RN is hosting a free webinar on August 11 at 2pm EDT. Signup below. Learn how to be an effective advocate and join the effort to advance our agenda on Capitol Hill.
|
|
Centers of Excellence
 In June, we achieved a long-sought goal. We announced the first Centers of Excellence in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lymphatic Diseases.
In addition to the 15 Comprehensive and Network Centers announced in June, Additional Surgical, Referral, and Conservative Care Centers will be announced in August, followed by a call for new applications.
|
|
Symposium Series
LE&RN's Symposium Series has attracted a growing audience from all over the world. Dr. Stanley Rockson's presentation about recent developments in lymphatic research and LE&RN's International Lymphatic Disease and Lymphedema Patient Registry and Biorepository was attended by hundreds of participants from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Finland, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, United Kingdom, and across the United States.
The next Symposium will be delivered by Dr. Wei Chen (Current Concepts in Lymphedema Reconstruction, Cleveland Clinic) on August 3 at 11am EDT.
|
|
Facebook fundraisers
Facebook fans continue their incredible efforts via Facebook fundraisers. Our Facebook community has become an even more vital place for fundraising in our current environment where so much is virtual.
We thank these fans for their amazing efforts that allow LE&RN to pursue our shared mission.
|
|
LE&RN thanks Supporting Members
LE&RN Supporting Members enable our ambitious agendas to continue to move ahead. Not yet a Supporting Member? Join today. Be part of the largest and most effective community fighting and winning against LE and LD.
|
|
|
|
|
