American Thoracic Society International Conference

LE&RN's Executive Director and Outreach Director were guests at the May 2014 American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference in San Diego. LE&RN had a booth at the conference, helping to raise awareness among the more than 12,000 participants about the lymphatic system's role in pulmonary medicine and research. The conference also provided the opportunity for our Executive Director to meet with colleagues, Jack Kelly (E.D. of LGDA), and Susan Sherman (E.D. of The LAM Foundation). In each case, discussions explored future research collaborations that could be pursued in conjunction with ATS. LE&RN's E.D., William Repicci, also met with National Lymphedema Network's (NLN) Executive Director, Saskia Thiadens, to discuss future collaborations between the organizations and NLN.

Educational Symposia

LE&RN continues to sponsor online symposia for patients, physicians, and researchers. Our most recent symposium featured both Dr. David Chang and Dr. Jessica Kandel from the University of Chicago. Dr. Chang, Professor of Surgery, spoke on “Microsurgical Treatment of Lymphedema.” He is a plastic surgeon with a specific interest and expertise in the treatment of lymphedema in patients who undergo surgery for cancer with lymph node removal and/or radiation. He has helped develop and promote procedures such as lymphaticovenular bypass and vascularized lymph node transfers to improve lymphatic drainage. Dr. Jessica Kandel spoke on “New Clues to Understanding Lymphatic Disorders in Children” and is the Surgeon-in-Chief, at The University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children's Hospital, Professor of Surgery and Chief, Section of Pediatric Surgery, and the Vice-Chair for Pediatric Surgical Services. Dr. Kandel has recently developed a novel mouse mode of lymphatic malformations. Combining her basic science research interest and clinical expertise, she seeks to advance the care of patients with lymphatic disorders using the molecular insights derived from this new line of research. These symposia are always accessible on LE&RN's website or Livestream page (www.lymphaticnetwork.org)

2014 Walk for Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases

We'll be walking, together, over the Brooklyn Bridge on September 14. The 2014 Walk for Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases represents a milestone for LE&RN—it will be our first Walk with our new name and expanded mission, and our first Walk ever in New York City. Join us in the fight against lymphedema and lymphatic diseases. If you are unable to join us in New York City, please consider walking in your own community, holding a virtual walk, or making a personal donation to promote our mission: to fight lymphatic disease and lymphedema through research, education, and advocacy. http://lymphatic.donorpages.com/LYMPHWALK2014/

Ask the Experts

Get answers to your questions—straight from a healthcare professional. A new feature on our Web site is our Ask the Experts page. On each of our expert pages, you will find a list of Top Questions with helpful answers about lymphatic disease. If you do not see the answer you need, please submit a new question. Our expert panel includes Dr. Francine Blei, Dr. Håkan Brorson, Dr. Joseph Dayan, Dr. Jessica Kandel, Dr. Peter Mortimer, Dr. Sheila Ridner, Dr. Stanley Rockson, and Cynthia Shechter.

National Institutes of Health Funding Opportunities

PA-12-258: New Technologies For The Study of Lymphatics In The Digestive And Urinary Systems (R43/R44)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-12-258.html

Expiration Date: September 8, 2015.

PAR-12-259: Lymphatics in Health and Disease in the Digestive, Urinary, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Systems (R01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-12-259.html

Expiration date: September 8, 2015.

PAR-13-285: Developmental Mechanisms of Human Structural Birth Defects (P01)

http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-13-285.html

Expiration date: September 8, 2016.