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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) backs $70M NIH funding request
Stands with U.S. Senator Charles Schumer in requesting appropriation for lymphatic research
NEW YORK, NY – April 28, 2016 – United States Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has requested that the FY 2017 Senate budget include “$70 million in lymphatic and lymphedema research funding be appropriated to the Office of the Director at NIH to support extramural interdisciplinary research relevant to the lymphatic system in health and disease.”
The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN), an international leader in lymphedema and lymphatic disease education, research, and advocacy, applauded Senator Schumer’s leadership on the issue. LE&RN is urging supporters to contact the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services and to sign an online petition directed at the U.S. Senate and particularly members of the Appropriations Subcommittee.
“This would be an unprecedented achievement in making lymphatics and lymphedema a national heath priority,” said William Repicci, LE&RN’s Executive Director. “Its impact on future treatments and cures cannot be underestimated. Clearly, Senator Schumer cannot champion this alone. We are counting on the proven activism of our members. This community has shown that it is no longer willing to be silent and invisible.”
In March, a petition, initiated by LE&RN, to declare March 6 World Lymphedema Day garnered thousands of signatures and resulted in a unanimous U.S. Senate vote to recognize March 6, 2016, as the first annual World Lymphedema Day.
About LE&RN
Founded in 1998, the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (formerly LRF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose mission is to fight lymphatic disease and lymphedema through education, research and advocacy. LE&RN provides valuable educational resources for the millions of people who suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic disease. LE&RN fosters and supports research that can deepen the medical community's understanding of the lymphatic system. For more information about lymphatic disease or the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, visit www.LymphaticNetwork.org.