2014 Walk for Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases

September 14, 2014 proved to be a perfect day for a walk and for many exciting announcements for LE&RN. Over 500 people joined us for a moving program of speakers followed by an exhilarating walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. Senator Charles E. Schumer of New York spoke on the importance of supporting lymphatic research at the NIH and Olympic Champion Sarah Hughes talked poignantly of her mother who has lymphedema and renewed her commitment to improving the lives of patients with lymphatic diseases. Scientists and researchers can continue to help to bring the best and brightest new minds into the field of lymphatic studies by contributing to the LE&RN Young Investigators Team Page.

The entirety of your contribution will fund travel awards to young investigators interested in attending conferences focused on lymphatic issues.

http://lymphatic.donorpages.com/LYMPHWALK2014/LERNYoungInvestigators/

The Face of Lymphedema Challenge

Another highlight of the Walk came via the audio presentation of acclaimed Academy Award winning actress Kathy Bates who spoke of her experience in developing lymphedema following a double mastectomy. Her announcement as a spokesperson for LE&RN thus kicked off our “Face of Lymphedema” Challenge. This challenge asks all those who are affected by lymphedema or lymphatic disease either personally or through a family member to speak up and create a video announcing that they or someone they love have lymphedema. Each video will become part of a longer video where all the many different voices of lymphedema and lymphatic disease are heard. Those receiving the challenge are encouraged to become a member of LE&RN and donate to our programs. This empowering challenge will show the face of this disease that is all too ignored in our society.

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

LE&RN/LymphNotes Lymphedema Therapist Scholarship

The LE&RN Lymphedema Therapist Scholarship was established to meet the need for additional lymphedema therapists in the United States. Despite increasing awareness of lymphedema, there is only one therapist for every 1000 people with lymphedema in the United States. To help address this need by encouraging healthcare professional to obtain specialty lymphedema therapist training and certification, we are delighted to report that nine applicants have recently been awarded LE&RN/LymphNotes scholarships of up to $1000 towards qualifying Lymphedema Certification Courses.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of LymphNotes.com.