BERKELEY, Calif. /California Newswire/ — The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) is celebrating Lymphedema Awareness Month this March. The NLN kicked off the month by recognizing lymphedema patients, medical professionals, and advocates on March 6 for its 22nd annual Lymphedema Awareness Day.
On March 6, 1988, the NLN was founded with the mission of creating awareness of lymphedema through education and promoting and supporting the availability of quality medical treatment for all individuals at risk for or affected by lymphedema. In 1994, the NLN established its annual Lymphedema Awareness Day, which has now been adopted as an official holiday by more than a dozen US states.
“Throughout our global lymphedema community, March is the month of awareness, education, and recognition of all those who inspire us,” said Pat Egan, NLN Interim Executive Director and CEO.
It is an exciting year for the lymphedema community, as the Lymphedema Treatment Act is currently being sponsored in the US House of Representatives as HR1608 and the US Senate as S2373. If passed, the bill will establish a benefit category in the Medicare statute to provide coverage for the compression supplies essential to the treatment of lymphedema. The NLN encourages everyone to take this month to get involved by writing to their Senators and Representatives to support the passage of these important pieces of legislation.
The NLN continues to provide information resources, support, and community for lymphedema patients and medical professionals. For more information about lymphedema, the NLN 12th annual conference in Dallas (Aug 31-Sep 4), the Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund, the Lymph Science Advocacy Program, the NLN Support Group Network, and many other services for patients, caregivers, therapists and clinicians, contact the National Lymphedema Network at 1.800.541.3259 or visit our website at www.lymphnet.org.
