| Dear Friends of the NLN, Join the NLN as we Stomp Out Lymphedema this May! The National Lymphedema Network is excited to announce our first annual Stomp Out Lymphedema virtual walk/run-a campaign that encourages patients to get moving and raise awareness about this often overlooked condition. Why a virtual walk/run? - Awareness: Unfortunately, lymphedema and lymphatic disorders continue to be poorly understood conditions, with many patients never receiving treatment or even an adequate diagnosis. Even for those who do receive a proper diagnosis, the necessary compression garments and therapy are often not covered by insurance plans. With garments ranging from $200 to $3,000, proper treatment simply isn't an option for many patients.
It's time we join forces and let the world know we will not continue to suffer in silence-and there's no better time to do that than now. With the reintroduction of the Lymphedema Treatment Act to Congress, the world is listening. So make your voice heard and help us Stomp Out Lymphedema!
- Physical and Emotional Health: As most patients know, exercise is a crucial component of lymphedema treatment. It's not only good for the body, but also the mind. Living with a physically debilitating condition that's also poorly understood in the medical community can cause a lot of patients to feel helpless and alienated. But getting the body moving is a great way to relieve stress and take charge of your health.
- Fundraising: All of the money raised through the Stomp Out Lymphedema event will go toward the NLN's educational kits.
What IS a virtual walk/run? It's just like any other walk/run event-but we don't all have to be in the same place to participate! More importantly for lymphedema patients, it allows participants to set their own goals and pace themselves. We understand that, due to the nature of lymphedema, most patients can't just run a marathon over a weekend. And that's okay! Stomp Out Lymphedema isn't an endurance test-it's a way for patients and their supporters to connect with and encourage each other, while contributing what they can. Our first event is in May, which was proclaimed Exercise as Medicine month in 2008, but we invite participants to start their campaign whenever they'd like. You can distribute the mileage in whatever way works for your body. Here's how it works: - Register for the event. You pay a $10 registration fee, which will help us cover the administrative costs of maintaining the site and organizing the event.
- After registering, you can create your own fundraising page. Have others interested in doing the walk/run with you? You can also create a team page where you can collectively raise money.
- Download your official NLN bib and some fun signs to encourage you along the way.
- Spread the word! Tell friends, family, coworkers, therapists, and anyone else you think might be interested about your fundraising page and ask them to support your efforts to better your health and spread awareness about lymphedema.
- If you use Facebook, like our page: www.facebook.com/NationalLymphedemaNetwork. Post a picture of yourself wearing your bib or walking/running-we want this to be a way for patients and advocates to encourage and support each other! Not on Facebook? No problem, we still want to cheer you along! Send your photos or updates to nln@lymphnet.org and we'll share them with our community.
- Put on your good shoes. Run or walk a 5k (3.1 miles) or a 10k (6.2 miles) anytime between now and the end of May! Don't forget to download our race bib and encouragement signs!
We would like to warmly thank all of you who have already singed up or contributed! Keep up the good work! Together we can make a difference!
Best,
NLN Staff |
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