March 2023: Lymphedema Awareness Month

WHEREAS, lymphedema is a common medical condition causing swelling in various parts of the body as a result of the failure of proper functioning of the lymphatic system; and,

WHEREAS, lymphedema effects more than 250,000 people in Michigan (and over 250 million worldwide), many of whom have not been properly diagnosed, which is more than the combined number of Michiganders with multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Parkinson’s Disease; and,

WHEREAS, lymphedema can cause pain, disfigurement, profound and progressive disability, and hospitalizations due to life threatening infections, further burdening the health care system; and,

WHEREAS, adequate treatment for lymphedema is difficult to find in Michigan due to insufficient numbers of certified therapists, trained physicians and other providers and that medical training contains almost no education on lymphatic diseases; and,

WHEREAS, insurance coverage often excludes coverage of known treatments of value for controlling lymphedema; and,

WHEREAS, lymphedema can be a result of cancer treatments, military service injuries, infections, or congenital conditions; and, 

WHEREAS, lymphatic disease research has been chronically underfunded despite promising findings and potential cures and treatments under investigation; and, 

WHEREAS, there are substantial financial, physical and psychological impacts on those afflicted with lymphatic disease, the State of Michigan wishes to honor the courageous battle with this disease they face daily; and,

WHEREAS, the State of Michigan wants to recognize the dedicated clinicians, caregivers, advocates, researchers, and members of industry that support people with lymphatic diseases;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2023 as Lymphedema Awareness Month in Michigan.