We are so incredibly grateful for your determination and heart, and are hopeful that you are, once again, all in for helping to get the Lymphedema Treatment Act signed into law!
For perspective purposes, the statistics on how difficult it is to get any bill passed into law speak for themselves. It takes an average of 11 years for a bill such as ours to become law, and guess what, this is our 11th year, so let’s hope that rings true! We have made marked improvement in each congressional session, and achieved a vote and passage by the House for the first time during the 116th Congress. We have every reason to be encouraged about our prospects in this new Congress.
Although the 117th Congress officially began on January 3rd, the start of this session has been unlike any other. Due to changes in the Executive Branch and control of the Senate, not to mention the pandemic and other crises, it will take longer than usual for regular business to resume; that includes reintroduction of our bill.
Typically at this time we are announcing the dates for our Lymphedema Lobby Days on Capitol Hill, which we normally host in March. Due to COVID-19, we are postponing that event in the hopes that in-person visits will be able to resume later this year. Alternatively, we may have to move the event online.
In the mean time, we encourage Primary Lymphedema patients and family members to consider participating in Rare Across America, hosted by the EveryLife Foundation and Rare Disease Legislative Advocates. This year’s virtual event consists of a variety of opportunities, including phone meetings with congressional offices, and takes place during the last week of February and first week of March. The event is entirely FREE but you must register by February 20th.
As the mother of a child born with lymphedema, I have participated Rare Across America in past years, and plan to this year as well. It is a well organized, informative, and inspiring event. Plus, it’s a chance to to educate congressional offices about lymphedema, and ask them to support the Lymphedema Treatment Act and help get it signed into law this year.
Thank you for your ongoing advocacy!
Heather Ferguson
Founder & Executive Director
Lymphedema Advocacy Group
LymphedemaTreatmentAct.org
