Lymphedema Resources, Inc.

Companionship is important too!

Ann

At Lymph Notes we are delighted to receive and answer questions, to read stories, and to communicate with members and visitors.

Sometimes these inquiries are from someone in need of financial aid for treatment or to obtain garments or in search of a support group. Frankly answering these messages is difficult because, much as we want to help, very little financial aid is available, and support groups are few and far between.

Recently, through contact with Claire Hauenstein, Inc. we discovered Lymphedema Resources, Inc., which is a group that has achieved these goals.

Claire’s Description of the mission of Lymphedema Resources, Inc.

The mission of Lymphedema Resources, Inc as a community-based volunteer organization is to raise awareness of the potential for development of lymphedema, to assure availability of the resources for treatment and to eliminate barriers for those with lymphedema.

Financial Aid

Lymphedema Resources, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit charity organized is 2005 in southwest Florida. Our mission, as a community-based volunteer organization, is to raise awareness of the potential for development of lymphedema, to assure availability of the resources for treatment, and to eliminate barriers for those with lymphedema.

We are five-time grant recipients from The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Southwest Florida Affiliate. We have been able to provide financial assistance for bandages, compression garments, and as of 2008, for physician-prescribed lymphedema therapy for underinsured/underserved breast cancer survivors in a five-county service area. We also receive requests for financial assistance from all over the country and work very hard to help with the purchase of compression garments whenever possible. (To learn more about the Komen Foundation, read Komen for the Cure).

Support Groups

As facilitators of the Lymphedema Education Awareness Support Group at Lee Memorial Hospital’s Regional Cancer Center in Ft. Myers, FL we meet the second Saturday of each month from October through May. Speakers on various topics of interest are presented along with educational materials on lymphedema.

Education

Funded by a grant from The League Club, Inc. of Naples FL, we developed and presented a new six-session program, at no charge,  entitled, “Movin’ On: Exercise & Movement for Breast Cancer Survivors” which includes information on the risk of development of lymphedema. Plans for 2009 include presenting this program at five locations in southwest Florida.

Thank You Claire!

Our thanks to Claire for sharing the story of Lymphedema Resources, Inc and making it available as an inspiration for others who would like to start similar groups. If you would like to contact Claire for more advice, please e-mail your message to ann@lymphnotes.com and she will forward it to Claire.

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Category: Interviews