Fall & Winter 2018 Update

December 24, 2018

As the end of the year looms, we wanted to provide you will an update of what we have been up to this fall and early winter.

After our video shoot in the fall, the videographer has been working hard to pull the videos together. We’ve seen a few samples and are awaiting their completion. Stay tuned for the official unveiling.

The Wrap the Night Away Fundraiser, October 25, 2018 was a great success. Be sure to check out the Winter Pathways sent out recently for pictures. Thank you to all of you who attended and brought family and friends. We had a great turnout.

Prior to the fundraiser we held our Annual General Meeting. We had two Board Members’ terms come to an end, Susan Tole and Cara Hutchison. Susan left us after 6 years and Cara finished up her two year term. We welcomed back Susan Stratford for a second term, Isabelle Thorvardson, who returned after a year away, and two new members, Linda Menzies and Ace Zhao.

To get to know your new board members here are their bios:

LINDA MENZIES

I have a background in Orthopedic Massage Therapy. I advanced my education as a dual graduate of both Vodder International and Klose Training to achieve the golden standard of care in Complete Decongestive Therapy. I am also an Expert Certified Fitter for medical compression garments, post-mastectomy breast prosthesis and bras. My passion is to provide patients with professional care for the many aspects of lymphedema, and at the same time offering choices in products and styles. I work together with many other health care professionals in Southern Manitoba to provide optimal care to people in rural Manitoba. I am the owner of Morden Massage Therapy Centre and MENZIES ProCare.

ISABELLE THORVARDSON

I graduated with a Bachelor of Education in May 1972 but never went back to that field of work until 1987. I then taught for 19.5 years until I had breast cancer surgery in May 2003. I returned to work for a year and then took early retirement in June 2004. It was in June of 2005 that I developed lymphedema in my arm after my first bout of cellulitis. I now live with lymphedema every day of my life.

I have been quite involved with the Lymphedema Support Group and from there became a charter member of the Lymphedema Association of Manitoba. I spent five years on the board from its beginning, took a leave for one year and now have returned for a two year term. Since I live in a rural community, living with lymphedema is more challenging and certainly more expensive, as each treatment requires more travel. LAM’s mission statement of promoting greater awareness to all healthcare professionals is always my prime goal because this is a lifelong condition. There is still so much education that needs to happen before all lymphedema patients receive the care they require.

ACE ZHAO

I’m currently a student at the University of Manitoba, Asper School of Business. I’m currently in second year of my Bachelor of Commerce degree with a double major in Accounting and Finance. By joining LAM I hope to make a positive impact on the community, especially those affected with lymphedema and elicit awareness for those who don’t. I believe my tech-savviness could better equip the organization to take on future challenges.

Bios for continuing members, Claire Ann Deighton-Lamy, Cherida Olson, Rupal Purohit, Susan Stratford and David Van Hellemond are available on our website at lymphmanitoba.ca.

At the first meeting of the board, the executive was elected.

The positions for 2018/2019 are:

President Susan Stratford

Vice-President Linda Menzies

Treasurer Claire Ann Deighton-Lamy

Secretary Ace Zhao

We would like to wish all of our members and their families the best of the holiday season.

LAM Board

Thank you to our LAM Professional Members, whose support is always appreciated!

Breast Health Center; Lymphedema Depot; Amanda Davis; Linda Menzies; Diamond Athletic Medical Supplies Inc.; Edith Mulhall; Karen Dobbin; Nor-Man Breast & Women’s Cancer Network; Marita Dowsett; Chandra Rossnagel; Sarah Dreidger; Kroa Yurkowski; Joanna Dyck; Susan Zwarich; Wanda Guenther; Wendy Leroux