My favorite part of our annual Lymphedema Lobby Days in DC, besides increasing support for the LTA of course, is seeing the impact it has on those attending for the first time. One such person shared the following with me, and she gave me permission to share her message with you:
“I just wanted to reiterate how extremely proud I am to have been a part of this amazing event. For a long time, I felt alone, ashamed, and embarrassed of this disease because of the look of it. As a young person, not being able to wear certain clothing, shoes, boots or skirts affected me tremendously. I just hid, covered up or didn’t participate in a lot of things due to my leg. As I have gotten older, I have learned to become more accepting and more comfortable about my condition. I am still not all the way there, but I will educate and explain it to people (if they ask me in a respectful manner). Attending Lobby Days has given me a renewed perspective on the disease. Meeting other people, who deal with the same thing or who have family members who deal with Lymphedema was really tremendous. I was always a motivated person but, this has definitely given me so much more purpose.”
Our 2018 Lobby Days are over, but our work continues. You can make a big impact from home every day – calling, writing, and meeting with your members of Congress and their staff locally. The House and Senate will be in recess from March 23rd through April 9th, so now is a great time to reach out!
Check your Members’ websites and social media accounts to find information about Town Halls and other public events during recess, or go to the Town Hall Project. Better yet, contact your nearest district office and request a meeting. Everything you need to schedule, plan for, and conduct a local meeting is right here.
Our advocates at Lobby Days did an amazing job, but in many cases offices will need to hear from more constituents before signing on. It’s up to each and every one of us to educate our own members of Congress and get them on board as cosponsors.
Your advocacy makes a difference and together we will pass the LTA!
Heather Ferguson
Founder & Executive Director
Lymphedema Advocacy Group
LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org
