Committed to helping people living with lymphedema

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About the Lymphedema Association of Ontario 


Your trusted resource for lymphedema support, education, and advocacy. At LAO, we are dedicated to empowering individuals affected by lymphedema and promoting awareness within the community.


Our website serves as a gateway to a wealth of valuable resources and programs. Through our commitment to excellence, we strive to fulfill the needs of our members and the general public alike. Here's how LAO can make a difference in your journey:

  • Knowledge and Support: Access expertly curated information on lymphedema, its latest developments, and treatment options.
  • Engaging Webinars and Events: Exclusive webinars by leading experts and community events to stay informed and connected.
  • Virtual Support groups every month with varying topics lead by a speaker for advice, information and community. 
  • Pathways Magazine: Receive our inspiring magazine with practical advice, uplifting stories and local resources.
  • Connecting with Professionals: Find local therapists and clinics with our LAO Directory.


Join our vibrant community today by becoming a member of LAO. By doing so, you not only unlock a wealth of exclusive resources but also contribute to our mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with lymphedema.


Together, let's navigate the journey of lymphedema, empower each other, and inspire hope. Donate or become a member now and be a part of the positive change.


Upcoming Events

    • 11 Nov 2026
    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Virtual Support Group 

    November 11th, 5:00 pm (EST) on ZOOM

    TOPIC:
    Compression and Garments


    Please join us for our monthly virtual support group consisting of lymphedema patients and LAO volunteers. Our support groups are a great opportunity for you to share and discuss your personal lymphedema management skills, information, hopes, fears, successes and hardships, all in a safe space to facilitate support and growth. 

    Join us on the second Wednesday of every month!

    __________________


    Basic Housekeeping:

    • Please keep yourself on mute to reduce background noise
    • There is typically a Q&A period at the end, so please save your questions for then
    • Feel free to use the chat feature to ask questions or raise your hand to talk
    • Please note that this session will not be recorded. We kindly ask that no screen captures, audio recordings, or video recordings be made during the presentation. This ensures a respectful and secure environment for all participants and speakers. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

    Disclaimer:
    The content of this presentation is confidential and property of the presenters. It is not intended to be distributed to any third party without their consent. As such, please do not screenshot, record, or tape the contents of this meeting or the individuals in attendance.

    The opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the presenter and not necessarily those of the LAO. Therefore, the LAO is not responsible for any content or information in the webinar. The LAO does not endorse any particular vendor product, company or personnel, and our webinars are for educational purposes only.

    Please note that if a webinar is being recorded you are providing consent to be recorded. You may keep your camera off if you wish to do so.

    Moreover, Information collected through polls or surveys may be addressed in future meetings and in meeting notes, that are available for other patients access. Through your attendance, you have consented for The Lymphedema Association of Ontario to use your first name only, for confidentiality purposes in note taking.

    • 18 Nov 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register

    Raising Our Voices:
    Lymphedema Advocacy in Ontario

    A free webinar in support of the lymphedema community

    Nov 18, 2026 | 12:00 pm ET | Online via Zoom

    Lymphedema is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects thousands of Ontarians, yet it remains under-recognized and under-funded. Many people living with lymphedema face significant out-of-pocket costs just to manage their symptoms. Change is possible, but it depends on informed, united voices.

    Join us to explore where Ontario’s funding falls short and how patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers can work together for better care.

    What we’ll cover:

    • Where funding falls short. ADP covers only part of the cost of compression garments, and its pricing often falls below the real cost of custom garments. OHIP does not cover essential treatments like manual lymphatic drainage and complex decongestive therapy, and bandaging supplies are often left out entirely. We’ll also discuss barriers such as wait times and limited access to trained therapists outside major centres.

    • The role of patients and caregivers. Learn how sharing your story, contacting your MPP, and joining awareness campaigns can influence decision-makers.

    • The role of healthcare providers. Discover how providers can document need, support early diagnosis, and add clinical credibility to policy conversations.

    • How to support the LAO. Find out how to get involved through membership, volunteering, fundraising, donating to the LAO Compassion Fund, or spreading awareness on Lymphedema Day (March 6).

      A live Q&A will follow the presentation.

    Who should attend:

    People living with lymphedema, caregivers, healthcare professionals, students, and anyone who wants to improve lymphedema care in Ontario.


    Speakers:



    Dolores Steinwall

    President and Executive Director
    Lymphedema Association of Ontario



    Tania Danis
    Director of Advocacy
    Lymphedema Association of Ontario



    Together, we can make lymphedema care accessible,
    affordable, and recognized across Ontario.

    • 09 Dec 2026
    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Virtual Support Group 

    December 9th, 5:00 pm (EST) on ZOOM

    TOPIC:
    Obesity and how it affects LE &

    How to make good choices during the holidays.


    Please join us for our monthly virtual support group consisting of lymphedema patients and LAO volunteers. Our support groups are a great opportunity for you to share and discuss your personal lymphedema management skills, information, hopes, fears, successes and hardships, all in a safe space to facilitate support and growth. 

    Join us on the second Wednesday of every month!

    __________________


    Basic Housekeeping:

    • Please keep yourself on mute to reduce background noise
    • There is typically a Q&A period at the end, so please save your questions for then
    • Feel free to use the chat feature to ask questions or raise your hand to talk
    • Please note that this session will not be recorded. We kindly ask that no screen captures, audio recordings, or video recordings be made during the presentation. This ensures a respectful and secure environment for all participants and speakers. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

    Disclaimer:
    The content of this presentation is confidential and property of the presenters. It is not intended to be distributed to any third party without their consent. As such, please do not screenshot, record, or tape the contents of this meeting or the individuals in attendance.

    The opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the presenter and not necessarily those of the LAO. Therefore, the LAO is not responsible for any content or information in the webinar. The LAO does not endorse any particular vendor product, company or personnel, and our webinars are for educational purposes only.

    Please note that if a webinar is being recorded you are providing consent to be recorded. You may keep your camera off if you wish to do so.

    Moreover, Information collected through polls or surveys may be addressed in future meetings and in meeting notes, that are available for other patients access. Through your attendance, you have consented for The Lymphedema Association of Ontario to use your first name only, for confidentiality purposes in note taking.

IMPORTANT SURVEY


COMMUNITY NEWS


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED


The Vodder School International is looking for lymphedema patients to volunteer as a "patient" for one of their upcoming classes on
September 21 or 22, 2026, either 9am or 1pm.

Dolores Steinwall, President of the LAO, volunteered as a "patient" in a past cohort.

If you are interested in volunteering to help in the education of future therapist, please contact us as we will put you in contact with Vodder!

info@lymphontario.ca

To keep up to date with community Lymphedema news, events from other organizations, and resources, please click here for our page "Other Lymphedema News"

Our Generous Sponsors









Lymphedema Association of Ontario
Mailing Address: 262-2869 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON M8X 1B3 Canada
1-877-723-0033 | 416-410-2250 | info@lymphontario.ca

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