| Dear Friends of the NLN, Times are changing. Think back to when you first noticed your swollen limb-what did your physician tell you? Many of you were probably told to take diuretics, buy over the counter support hose, or "just deal with it." We know this because over the last 25 years, we've fielded thousands of calls from patients desperately seeking advice, treatment, and support. Today, however, many physicians admit that they have little knowledge of lymphedema or how to take care of their patients with lymphatic disorders. They are calling the NLN for guidance and information about how to better serve their patients. Armed with our Position Papers and information booklets, patient advocates are reaching out to their medical teams and educating them about the importance of screening, early detection, and risk reduction practices. We are finally holding hands together, and we will continue to do so until every discipline is educated and every patient receives the care he/she deserves. Who is responsible for this increased interest in Lymphology? In large part it is the research community, especially the dedicated members of the NLN Research Committee (RSC), who have boosted interest and opened the eyes of the medical community at large. In just the last year, numerous articles have been published by members of the RSC in peer-reviewed journals. We are especiallyproud of the data collected through the NLN online patient survey, which was made possible by our 2,734 patients who participated. One article, which focuses on infections in patients with limb lymphedema, has already been published as a result of this data and there are several other topics currently under review (1). Patients and health care professionals alike are reaping the benefits of this increased interest in Lymphology. The number of NLN affiliated clinics and therapists also continues to rise, putting us in a strong position to refer patients in need to quality treatment centers. Today, many lymphedema therapist training programs have waiting lists. After 25 years, the NLN continues to be at the forefront of Lymphology in this country by fostering interest among healthcare professionals to become better educated about how to treat patients with lymphedema. With triple the patient applications for assistance, the NLN's Marilyn Westbrook Garment Fund provided milestone levels of service in 2013. Now in its eighth year, the garment fund helps those in need with the costs of compression garments that are not covered by Medicare, private insurance, or flexible spending accounts. This program would not be possible without the generous support from our industry leaders and individual donors like you. The fund has changed the lives of so many patients and we will continue our mission in the years ahead (see reverse for testimonials). Looking ahead, the NLN will host the 11th NLN International Conference, The Campaign for Lymphedema Care: Perspectives, Evidence, & Practice in September of 2014. The conference will be held in our nation's capital, where we hope to engage many of our lawmakers and legislators. During that time, the Lymphedema Advocacy Group will coordinate meetings and drop-ins with congressional offices to lobby for the Lymphedema Treatment Act. The NLN remains dedicated to our patients and medical professionals. As we continue
to provide the services and support so many people need, we rely on you, our loyal friends, to help us continue our work. Alone we are merely individuals, but together we can make a big difference. Please consider making a contribution as we approach the end of another successful year and help us to start off 2014 stronger than ever. The NLN is a non-profit organization and your donations are tax deductible (fed tax ID; 94-3068338). To make a donation, please complete and return the attached form. Donations can also be made online at www.lymphnet.org by clicking "Giving." Every gift counts and the NLN truly appreciates your thoughtfulness. Thank you for your continued support to the NLN and lymphedema community at large. Sincerely,
Saskia RJ Thiadens, RN Executive Director, NLN [1] Ridner, SH, Deng J, Radina E, Fu M, Thiadens S, Weiss J, Bietrich M, Cormier J, Tuppo C, Armer J. Symptom burden and infection occurrence among individuals with extremity lymphedema. Lymphology.2012;45(3):113-23
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