Lymphedema Support Group

The Lymphedema Support Group provides a safe place for anyone dealing with lymphedema as the result of impaired lymph system from birth or from an injury or illness. The group is run by certified lymphedema therapists who understand the challenges limb swelling can present. During monthly meetings, we’ll discuss ways to minimize symptoms and enjoy life to the fullest extent possible. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from each other’s experiences.

Monthly Meetings

This group meets virtually on the third Tuesday of every month from 5 – 6:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. Email invites will be sent with meeting details for that month.

Cost

Free

Contact

GSPPLymphSupportGroup@pennmedicine.upenn.edu

2025 Meeting Schedule and Topics:

All meetings will be led by GSPP Rehabilitation lymphedema specialists unless otherwise noted.

January 21, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Special Guest Speaker: Donald Thomas PT, DPT, CLT-LANA, CWT
• Topic: Are you set for the New Year? Do you need new garments? Do you need to return due to fluid changes?

February 18, 2025

• Special Guest Speakers: Dr. Jasmine Zheng and Bariatric Specialist
• Topic: Lymphedema from a different perspective

March 18, 2025 – Lymphedema Awareness Month

• Special Guest Speaker: Guenter Klose MLD/CDT, Certified Instructor CLT-LANA
• Topic: Lymphedema-CDT-Gold Standard Approach

April 15, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Dana Donofree-AnaOno
• Topic: My survivor story

May 20, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Eric Ansart, president, Lympha Press
• Topic: What’s new? What’s different?

June 17, 2025 – National Lipedema Month

• Special Guest Speaker: Catherine Seo PHD, Founder & CEO Lipedema Simplified, LLC and Leslyn Keith OTD, OTR/L, CLT LANA and Author
• Topic: Lipedema Month; What is lipedema? New research

July 15, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Hematologist/Oncologist
• Topic: Dr. Lee Hartner

August 19, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Cyndi Roberts Jobst and Sarena Banas
• Topic: Cording: Compression garments and the purpose of selection and containment

September 16, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Erica Dawkins, PsyD, MED, CSP
• Topic: No judgements

October 21, 2025 – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Wei Chen, MD, plastic surgeon
• Topic: Lymphedema from a surgeon’s perspective

November 18, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Erin Fazzarri, MPT, CLT-LANA, CWS
• Topic: Wound care

December 16, 2025

• Special Guest Speaker: Doris Piccinin, MS, RD, CDE, LDA, and Tia Gray, PTA, CLT, CWT, CES
• Topic: Healthy eating and exercises