[April 17, 2014]

Lymphatic Education & Research Network Announces Receipt of NY State Grant

Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN) announced today the award of a $200,000 grant as part of the New York State 2014-2015 budget. Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and Senator Martin Golden were lead sponsors. Funds will be used to support the development of LE&RN's National Lymphatic Disease Patient Registry and Tissue Bank, housed at the Feinstein Institute at North Shore LIJ Health System.

"Despite the fact that lymphedema and other lymphatic diseases affect an estimated 10 million Americans, many of whom are cancer survivors, this debilitating disease does not receive the attention it warrants, either in terms of public awareness or funding," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan). "This lack of attention hurts those with lymphatic disease, many of whom already feel isolated by the disease, and adds insult to very real suffering. It is critical that we here in New York do everything possible to raise awareness about the disease. I was so pleased to secure, in conjunction with my colleague, Senator Martin Golden, $200,000 in funding in the New York State budget to support LE&RN's critically important and life-changing work."

The National Lymphatic Disease Patient Registry and Tissue Bank strives to continually build upon its population of patients with associated biological materials (blood and tissue samples), that serve as a source for clinical and laboratory studies of lymphatic diseases. The database is confidential, containing information about individuals who carry the diagnosis of a lymphatic disease or lymphedema, allowing health care professionals to work towards accurately identifying, categorizing, treating, and preventing lymphatic diseases. The database is constantly expanding, and each additional member within the network progresses the laboratory studies closer toward meeting these goals.

In a meeting today where the funding was confirmed, LE&RN's Executive Director, William Repicci, thanked Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Golden, along with their Assembly and Senate colleagues who championed the cause of lymphatic disease and lymphedema. Mr. Repicci said, "the impact of New York State's commitment will reverberate around the country and undoubtedly lead to the finding of treatments and cures. This represents a significant milestone for both LE&RN, and the patients we are committed to help."

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, and join us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or call (516) 625-9675.

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