About
The Lymphedema Association of Manitoba Board of Directors (from left to right)
Kim Radford, Amanda Sobey, Leona Waldner, Nancy Rowsell, Jessica Diamond, Ron Wersch (absent)
What We Do
Support for those affected with or at risk of primary or secondary lymphedema.
The Lymphedema Association of Manitoba (LAM) is a patient focused, non-profit organization founded in 2011. LAM is working to create awareness and improve access to quality lymphedema information, resources and services across Manitoba.
We are committed to improving the lives of people living with or who are at risk of developing lymphedema. There is much work to be done!
Current Board Members (elected at the AGM of Oct 2022)
Amanda Sobey (President & Advocacy)
Term to October 2023
Since 2001, Amanda has been battling an incurable illness known as lymphedema in her right leg. When she was diagnosed, she was devastated to learn there was nothing she could do, besides wear compression and receive MLD (Manual Lymph Drainage).
Through her own personal trials of health and wellness, she has managed to significantly reduce her edema and improve her mental health through exercise and nutrition. She has made a total mind & body transformation and enjoys competing as an All-Natural Bodybuilder.
Professionally, Amanda is a Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist, and a Lymphie Coach. She absolutely LOVES what she does, as she has tuned her pain into purpose. Amanda is committed to improving the education and awareness in the Lymphedema & Lipoedema Community, in the health care system and Government. Amanda’s goal is to educate others about this condition and what is needed to overcome their health struggles.
Nancy Rowsell (Vice-President)
Term to October 2024
Nancy has been a Registered Massage Therapist since 2002 and became a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, specializing in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation in 2020. She was awarded with the NHPC 2022 President’s Award for her contributions of education, awareness, and offering support to her community, to those living with lymphedema.
Currently Nancy is the owner and a practicing Therapist of Interlake Lymph Clinic located in Selkirk at the Easton Place Medical Clinic, in which she has one RMT working alongside her. Nancy is also an instructor at Robertson College in the Massage Therapy program.
Nancy enjoys volunteering her time in bringing awareness by helping with Never Alone Cancer Foundation Paws for a Cause Cancer Walk. Since 2020 Nancy has helped organize a Selkirk walk to help bring the community together to support those living with lymphedema associated with their recovery from cancer.
Nancy is passionate about promoting awareness and education to doctors, caregivers and patients about living with lymphedema.
Kim Radford (Treasurer & Membership)
Term to October 2023
Kim graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science and certified as an Athletic Therapist. She has been working at Diamond Athletic Medical Supplies since 2004. In 2008 she attended an expert garment fitter course and took on the role of custom compression garment fitter. She regularly attends conferences to continue learning about lymphedema so she can better help her customers. She hopes that broader education and better awareness will allow patients to receive equal care and better funding.
Jessica Diamond (Secretary, Public Relations & Fundraising)
Term to October 2023
Jessica began her involvement in the family business; Diamond Athletic Medical Supplies as a teenager in high school. She attended university in Vancouver Island and then returned to Manitoba to study Nursing at Red River College. After completing 4 terms of nursing school she began working full time at Diamond Athletic Medical Supplies. Recently she became involved in custom garment fitting. Learning more about lymphedema and the lack of awareness and resources sparked her interest in becoming a board member. Her hope is to continue the work of LAM in increasing awareness and education to ensure that people who are diagnosed with Lymphedema have access to resources to best manage their diagnosis.
Ron Wersch (Membership)
Term to October 2023
Ron is a retired 30 year Federal Government employee whose career was mainly in Information Technology. He possesses three professional certifications from Microsoft and another from CompTIA A+, as well as a Business Administration diploma from Red River College.
Ron was born with bi-lateral primary lymphedema from his knees to his toes. His condition, albeit being managed, was a factor in his decision to retire when he did at 52 years of age.
He brings his IT background to LAM and his desire to give back to the community that has helped him deal with his affliction over many decades after being diagnosed.
With his condition, he was not able to participate actively in sports in his formative years; but is a great supporter of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (and attended the 2019 Grey Cup in Calgary and 2021 in Hamilton!) and is a Winnipeg Jets season ticket holder.
Leona Waldner (Communications, Public Relations & Fundraising)
Term to October 2024
Her passion for Lymphedema continues to grow with every patient she is able to help and provide treatment for. By joining the LAM board of Directors, she strives to help educate the public & other health professionals, advocate for her clients and hold fundraisers on a larger platform to financially support those in need of treatment and garments.
