Welcome

Lymphedema is a chronic health condition with many faces. Some people are born with it; others develop it later in life, often after treatment for some cancers. It is estimated that up to 1 million Canadians suffer with this progressive condition that can have life-long physical, emotional and financial implications for patients and their families. Given this updated national estimate and the population distribution within Canada, it can be extrapolated that near 387,000 Ontarians (children and adults) are living with lymphedema. Up to one in four breast cancer survivors will develop lymphedema at some point in their life.

Become informed. That is the first step you can take to help prevent lymphedema, detect it, get it diagnosed early, and learn how best to manage this condition. We’re working to improve access to quality lymphedema information, resources and services across Ontario and beyond.

Please explore our website for lymphedema information, support and resources.

Thank you for visiting.

LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS DAY IS MARCH 6^th

On March 6th, 2019, lymphatic disease advocates from around the world will campaign to mark a day of awareness for lymphedema(LE). The entire lymphedema community will act to raise awareness of this under-recognized condition, and the people who live with it every day.

See below for information on the events, and initiatives, taking place across Ontario.  In addition, we will include ways you can get involved in raising awareness on this important day and in the future.

RECOGNIZING LYMPHEDEMA AWARENESS DAY

We are thrilled to share that the LAO has once again successfully solicited our province’s capital to proclaim and observe Lymphedema Awareness Day on March 6, in the City of Toronto. In addition, Canada’s Calendar of Health PromotionDays has documented March 6 as World Lymphedema Day.

(click on letter to enlarge)

Municipalities, lymphedema advocates, and associations across Canada and around the globe will join forces to celebrate Lymphedema Awareness Day and/or World Lymphedema Day. These awareness initiatives provide opportunity for collaborative advancement in the areas of LE advocacy and research in order to ensure coverage and finding better solutions a global priority.

EVENTS IN ONTARIO

Lymphedema Association of Ontario (LAO)

Visit the LAO at our booth at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for Lymphedema Awareness Day in the City of Toronto!

	Tuesday, March 5th, 2019 & Wednesday, March 6th, 2019 at 10:00AM – 2:00PM
	Second Floor, Library at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, 610 University Ave, Toronto

Other Events

Lymphedema Support Group & Social Walk in Windsor/LaSalle 
(Social Walk directly following weather permitting)

	Sunday, March 10, 2019 (contact maddie.simone@yahoo.com for more details)
	1765 Sprucewood Ave, LaSalle

Lymphedema Awareness Day at Guelph General Hospital

	Wednesday, March 6th, 2019, at 10:00AM – 2:00PM
	Main lobby, Guelph General Hospital, 115 Delhi St, Guelph

Let us know where you will be!

If you have an upcoming event or awareness activity, please contact us at events@lymphontario.ca, and share the details (What, When, Where) of your activity, along with photos so we can help promote your events and initiatives on our social media channels and in future electronic communications/newsletters.  

SHARE YOUR STORY!

Share your Lymphedema Stories with us and tell us what Lymphedema Awareness means to you! You can also post your lymphedema story, or your hopes for what we can accomplish in Ontario and beyond and tag our social channels, including Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

OTHER WAYS TO GET INVOLVED!

• Sign LE&RN’s petition to the World Health Organization (WHO), asking that LYMPHEDEMA: AWARENESS AND CURES be selected the 2019 global health challenge initiative.
  
  
• Complete the Chronic Oedema/Lymphoedema Outcomes Measures survey to help guide international researchers and advocates in developing and adopting effective ways to measure chronic oedema/lymphoedema
  
  
• Consider volunteering or donating to the LAO. Generous donations of time, expertise, resources and money have helped the LAO to grow and provide valuable lymphedema information, programs and services to communities across Ontario. Click here to learn more.