SANTA MONICA, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 26, 2015) - The Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) announced that Academy Award-winner and LE&RN Spokesperson Kathy Bates will kick off the first annual CA Run/Walk to Fight Lymphedema & Lymphatic Diseases in Santa Monica on June 28, 2015.
Kathy Bates developed lymphedema in both arms following a double mastectomy. "Lymphedema is a chronic souvenir from my surgery and initially I felt alone and frightened," says Ms. Bates. "On my journey with lymphedema, I found that up to 10 million Americans suffer from this disease. This represents more sufferers than those Americans who have AIDS, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and ALS combined! Yet, I also learned that lymphedema often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This affliction affects children, a high percentage of cancer victims and anyone who has suffered traumatic injuries damaging the lymph glands, including our military. Yet incredibly it is virtually unknown by most Americans as well as many physicians. I can afford help. Millions can't. This is why I joined the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) as a spokesperson spreading lymphedema awareness wherever I am able."
"Lymphatic disease and lymphedema will only become a national priority once those affected come forward and join this fight," says LE&RN Executive Director William Repicci. "Kathy Bates has become a lightening rod for the movement, and kicked-off LE&RN's Face of Lymphedema Challenge and Membership campaign this past year to usher in this change. Now, she's leading the charge to raise awareness and funding through our first Run/Walk in California."
Ms. Bates recently talked about her lymphedema on The Doctors and in published news interviews. "I didn't know where to go for help when first diagnosed. Then the more I learned what I would have to do to manage my lymphedema each day, every day, I became angry," she states. "I'm in this fight for the long-haul."
Ms. Bates will also host a reception at a Santa Monica restaurant, followed by a dinner hosted by BSN medical the night before the Run/Walk for the top ten fundraisers. The actress recently took to Twitter to encourage everyone to register for the Run/Walk, which takes place on her birthday.
To register, simply visit the event's fundraising page.
About LE&RN
Founded in 1998, the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (formerly LRF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization whose mission is to fight lymphatic disease and lymphedema through education, research and advocacy. LE&RN provides valuable education resources for the millions of people who suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic disease. LE&RN fosters and supports research that can deepen the medical community's understanding of the lymphatic system. For more information about lymphatic disease or the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, please visit www.LymphaticNetwork.org or call (516) 625-9675.
About BSN medical
BSN medical is a global leader in the worldwide healthcare market specializing in the areas of wound care and non-invasive vascular solutions, orthopedics and compression therapy. The company is focused on the development of world-class branded products that offer high quality solutions for patients and caregivers alike. BSN medical has a global reach through its 35 internationally operating companies and its network of trusted partners in many markets. The company, with headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, has 5,500 employees worldwide.
Contact Information:
Media Contacts:
Amy Cook
925.552.7892
amy@amcpublicrelations.net
William Repicci
Lymphatic Education & Research Network
516-625-9675
wrepicci@lymphaticnetwork.org
