About Us
Our History – Background – Our Mission – Vision – Goals – Achievements
OUR HISTORY
Coming soon
Background
Lymphedema is a chronic disease that results in a build-up of lymph fluid that occurs when the lymphatic system is either faulty or damaged. There are many causes, but the most common is cancer treatments that remove or damage lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Trauma from other causes and Filariasis can also contribute to this condition. Lymphedema may manifest as swelling in legs, hands and in some cases, head, neck and trunk.
Lymphedema can progress to be incurable if not managed through appropriate treatment.
As this condition is relatively less researched globally, awareness of the disease and access to treatment options are limited.
India Lymphedema Foundation will enable patients, care-givers and medical professionals to access relevant information; obtain the skill-set to provide lymphedema therapy as well as connect patients with medical professionals.
India Lymphedema Foundation Facts
In order to raise awareness, education and outreach for patients in obtaining lymphedema treatment, India Lymphedema Foundation in collaboration with Rotary Club, District 3140 led pioneering efforts in December, 2015 through a tri-series of seminars at Nanavati Super Specialty Hospital, Fortis Hospital and Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, India. The success of the seminars was marked with its participation and great interest in furthering this topic medically and scientifically across India by the medical faculty of these hospitals and the conceptualization of India Lymphedema Foundation.
Our efforts were published in the India Medical Times
India Lymphedema Foundation continues to provide educational resources through its Facebook page where we continue posting scientific references and upcoming treatment options for lymphedema.
We are excited to see how India Lymphedema foundation is providing a platform for networking. We have received inquiries from patients for providing them with names of therapists locally that can help.
India Lymphedema Foundation organized Lymphedema Self-Care Workshops in reputed hospitals in Mumbai India in December, 2016. These workshops were conducted by US-based Certified Lymphedema Therapist with extensive experience of over 25 years.
The trainer demonstrated self-care to patients that are suffering from lymphedema. It involved self-manual-drainage massage, exercises, and skin-care. This workshop also enabled therapists to provide holistic information to their patients and teach them self-management techniques in line with global standards. During this workshop audience had the opportunity to gather patient feedback related to self-care techniques demonstrated by the trainer on a one-on-one basis.
In August, 2017, we provided educational seminar to medical students with the aim of spreading awareness and propagating the need for proper treatment at grass-root level.
Our mission is to orchestrate holistic therapy for lymphedema patients and empower them to manage the symptoms for a better quality of life.
Our broader goal consists of raising awareness, instituting education and providing outreach through appropriate lymphedema therapies
To further our efforts, it is important to better understand the landscape in India around lymphedema occurrences, current trends in diagnosis and therapy options as well as existing infrastructure for training and education of the medical professionals such as physical therapists.
NEXT STEPS
Formalizing education and training for the therapists and patients
- Instituting treatment centers that will be accessible to the patients
- Establishing community service projects
- Disseminating information through social media and other media outlets for outreach
