Lymphedema Getting Some Recognition

DrienneB

Hi Everyone,

Actor Kathy Bates has been speaking publicly about the lymphedema she recently acquired in both arms from a double mastectomy after a breast cancer diagnosis. It's sad that she too must suffer from this, but encouraging to me that we have such a fantastic advocate for lymphedema awareness and research.

Kathy has gotten involved with the Lymphedema Education & Research Network and has kicked off a campaign called the "Face of Lymphedema Challenge."

http://lymphaticnetwork.org/get-involved/face-of-lymphedema-challenge

Many of us who suffer from lymphedema do our best to conceal it, but it's time more people knew about this dreadful condition. I wish I'd known about the disease and its multiple causes before I had my uterine cancer surgery.

By the way, this Friday (March 6) is National Lymphedema Awareness Day - and this following was distributed today announcing that Kathy Bates has been honored by New York state legislators for her advocacy: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150304005095/en/NYS-Legislators-Honor-Academy-Award-winning-Actress-Kathy#.VPd1OcZjPCQ

Best regards,

j