Heather’s Story, Finding Purpose Through Lymphedema 

May 2023 a diagnosis of a rare cancer led to a very radical surgery and subsequently being advised I was at high risk of lymphedema from multiple groin lymph node removal. Having been healthy and surgery free, I kept asking so what is this condition lymphedema? Online searches led to  American webinars that informed beyond expectations.  But it was online searches now focused on Canada and BC that brought me to the BC Lymphedema Association. This provided an ability to self manage and come up with treatment assessment, plans for MLD and compressions.

This is when I found purpose - increase local awareness of the BCLA!!  I learned  through home support workers and others how prevalent the condition was and that folks without benefit plans could not afford  MLD or compressions. A call to BCLA President Sandi McConnach provided permission to use their logo to create a business card size handout for sharing with client/patients so they had some self-help assistance.  Building a network in Chilliwack drove a desire to someday host a Fraser Valley or local event.

Beyond my dreams that day came from a general discussion with Sandi on another matter it led to her advising if I found the venue and marketing options it would BCLA would host event in Chilliwack and it could align with World Lymphedema Day (March 9). Having coordinated other events in Chilliwack I was more than ready! Quickly the 2025 event resulted with 40 attendees (some travelling 1.5 hours  to learn).