Abstract
The Editorial Board of
In many ways, the existence of this journal and, indeed, the exponential growth in the focus upon lymphatic function in health and disease, can be credited to the impact of this courageous young woman. In addressing the pressing medical needs of her newly born infant, Melanie's mother, Wendy Chaite, quickly appraised the state of relative, and near absolute, lymphatic medical ignorance that prevailed during the last decade of the last century. Wisely, she embarked upon a path that would lead to a rectification of this deplorable ignorance, through research, education, and communication. As the founder of the Lymphatic Research Foundation, now the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN), Melanie and her mother set in motion a phenomenal coalescence of passion and research accomplishments that have already transformed both the scientific and medical approaches to the lymphatic system. This journal also owes its existence to the inspiration provided by Melanie: Mary Ann Liebert, the publisher of
Melanie's family describes her as “a light unto the world [who] touched the lives of all she met through her genuine kindness and compassion, infinite strength and [her] courage, along with her constant positivity and infectious smile.”
I am certain that the readership of this journal will join me and the rest of the Editorial Board in extending profound condolences to Melanie's family in their hour of grief.