Lighthouse Lymphedema Network
Shining Light On Lymphedema
Welcome To The Lighthouse
The LLN’s 26th Annual Lymphedema Education and Awareness Conference
Speakers, therapists, providers, and patients gathered in Atlanta on October 18-19, 2024, for an informative series of lectures about lymphatic disorders, treatments, and coping skills.
Therapists enjoyed a lively continuing education session with Keynote Speaker, Karen Ashforth on October 18, 2024.
2024 Conference Speakers
Stefanos Boukovalas, MD
Lymphedema and Lipedema Surgical Options, Requirements, and Post-Care
Robert Erkstam, OTR, CLT-LANA
Optimizing Lymphedema Outcome Through Lifestyle
Shelley DiCecco, PT, PhD, CLT-LANA, CI-CS
Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment Options for Central Lymphatic Dysfunctions
Jodi Ganz, MD
Dermatology Concerns: Lymphedema and Lipedema
Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA
Fibrosis Techniques for Breast Cancer, Lymphedema, and Lipedema
Lymphedema Treatment Act
Advocates and lobbyists had a mini-reunion at the LLN Conference.
Back Row (left to right) Debbie Labarthe, Kathy Weatherly, Yolonda Martin, Sherilyn Bell, Joan White, Kimberly Glover, Lindsay Ryback, and Rebecca Hammad
Front Row (left to right) Andi Heinemann, Cindy Cronick, Becky Sharp, Naydza Muhammad, Angeline Gallow
Your Contributions help the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network bring internationally-recognized researchers and medical providers to Atlanta for our yearly conferences. Thank you for helping patients and therapists learn more about cutting-edge research and treatments that can improve quality of life for every person.
We now know that every case of inflammation, every illness, every good night’s sleep, and the digestion of every meal is supported by our lymphatic system. Our invisible lymphatics enhance our lives in ways we are only beginning to understand.
Thank you for helping us make the invisible visible!
~The Lighthouse Lymphedema Network Board
The LLN was presented with a check for the Bandages and Garments Fund at the It's The Journey Gala on March 18. Held at the
Aquarium, this annual fund raiser and gala culminates in the presentation of grants to the selected non-profits serving the Breast Cancer Community throughout Georgia. LLN's Bandages and Garments Fund received the first installment of $10,000 which will be used to purchase the necessary bandages and garments for uninsured patients who have lymphedema as a result of breast cancer. The Bandages and Garments Fund also assists patients who suffer from lymphedema that is NOT related to breast cancer, but the ITJ grant monies are used specifically for breast cancer survivors. Any patient with lymphedema who is interested in applying for assistance should contact their Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) for more information. CLTs who are interested in more information about the Bandages and Garments Fund should contact Janie Smith at
LLN was well-represented at the FDRS conference hLLN participates in the Fat Disorders Resource Society (FDRS) Conference held in April in Atlanta. LLN hosted
an exhibit booth and one of our board members, Francine Schwartz, was a model in the Fashion Show. FDRS is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people affected by adipose tissue disorders by supporting research, education, advocacy, and collaboration. While lymphedema and lipedema share certain clinical features (such as fluid, fat and fibrosis), they are two distinct lymphatic diseases. Read more about lymphedema and lipedema on the National Libary of Medicine webiste.
The Southern Loss Association is a network of insurance professionals that train and support each other. They also have a history of helping charities, especially the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network. Since 2012, they have given our network more than $50,000 to support education conferences and patient compression therapy.
We will feature patient’s stories in this section. If you would like to present a story please fill out a Contact card and we will contact you to obtain your story.
Here we are featuring Sandra Dupree.
My Lymphedema & Lipedema Story
By Sandra Dupree
Our Focus
Since its founding around a dining room table in 1993, the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network (LLN) has grown to become one of the most recognized, respected and fast-growing non-profit organizations dedicated to promoting education and awareness about this disease we call lymphedema and provide assistance and support, not only for those afflicted with this disease but for their families, friends and even their healthcare providers.
With the launch of our new look and website, we hope those who come here will find the information needed to expand their knowledge and understanding of this disease.
The LLN has many goals and our mission is constantly expanding.
It seems as soon as one project is completed, another slips into its place. The LLN Board of Directors is very dedicated to serving those in the world of lymphatics and lymphatic disorders. We have no paid staff; only patients, medical professionals and community volunteers who donate their time and energy to keep our wonderful organization moving in a positive direction. When asked how best to serve the LLN, I always say, "Attend our events, become a spokesperson for lymphedema and volunteer". Bring us your concerns and we will help you! Bring us your ideas and we will work to make them happen! In the end, HELP US! HELP OTHERS!
Joan White,
Director
OUR MISSION
The Lighthouse Lymphedema Network is a 501 (C) (3) organization of individuals who are lymphedema patients, or who have an interest in lymphedema. Our goal is to educate, promote awareness, and provide support for lymphedema patients, the medical community, family and caregivers, insurance companies, the general public, and lymphedema support groups.
