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About the Lymphedema Association of Ontario 


Your trusted resource for lymphedema support, education, and advocacy. At LAO, we are dedicated to empowering individuals affected by lymphedema and promoting awareness within the community.


Our website serves as a gateway to a wealth of valuable resources and programs. Through our commitment to excellence, we strive to fulfill the needs of our members and the general public alike. Here's how LAO can make a difference in your journey:

  • Knowledge and Support: Access expertly curated information on lymphedema, its latest developments, and treatment options.
  • Engaging Webinars and Events: Exclusive webinars by leading experts and community events to stay informed and connected.
  • Virtual Support groups every month with varying topics lead by a speaker for advice, information and community. 
  • Pathways Magazine: Receive our inspiring magazine with practical advice, uplifting stories and local resources.
  • Connecting with Professionals: Find local therapists and clinics with our LAO Directory.


Join our vibrant community today by becoming a member of LAO. By doing so, you not only unlock a wealth of exclusive resources but also contribute to our mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with lymphedema.


Together, let's navigate the journey of lymphedema, empower each other, and inspire hope. Donate or become a member now and be a part of the positive change.


Upcoming Events

    • 02 Jul 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    INTRODUCING THE JUZO COOLING WRAP
    COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR
    -- OPEN TO ALL --

    JULY 2, 2026

    12:00 - 1:00 pm (ET)
    ZOOM WEBINAR

    DESCRIPTION:

    An innovative compression solution designed to help keep you cooler, drier, and more comfortable as summer temperatures rise.

    SPEAKERS:


    Kim Gladman, JUZO


    Kim Gladman is the Medical Education Liaison for Juzo Canada, traveling across Canada to promote education on venous disease, lymphedema and lipedema. Her wealth of experience has established her as a leader in the field, leading to numerous publications and the facilitation of seminars for patients, clinicians and physicians. Kim is also a passionate advocate for lymphedema awareness. Her expertise as a therapist, certified fitter and trainer perfectly aligns with Juzo’s mission of providing top-quality lymphedema products.


    • 07 Jul 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Lipedema, Lymphedema, and Obesity…
    Putting an End to the Confusion


    COMPLIMENTARY WEBINAR
    -- OPEN TO ALL --

    JULY 7, 2026

    12:00 - 1:00 pm (ET)
    ZOOM WEBINAR


    DESCRIPTION:

    Lipedema, lymphedema and obesity are three chronic distinct medical conditions that are frequently confused, leading to delayed diagnoses and ineffective treatments that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Through a detailed comparison of their definitions, signs, symptoms, and diagnostic criteria, this webinar equips healthcare professionals with the tools to accurately distinguish each condition and apply the most appropriate therapeutic approaches. Special attention is given to the role of compression therapy in management, including a presentation of Bauerfeind's Curaflow garments and Lympha-mat compression device.

    Learning Objectives:


    Following this presentation, participants will be able to:

    • Distinguish the key characteristics of the three conditions
    • Understand their similarities and differences
    • Clarify the diagnostic challenges
    • Review the therapeutic approaches suited to each condition
    • Explore the role of compression in management, including a presentation of Curaflow compression garments and the Lympha-mat compression device


    SPEAKERS:

    Marie-Eve Letellier, PhD


    Marie-Eve is a kinesiologist and certified lymphedema therapist whose work sits at the intersection of clinical practice, research, and education. With experience spanning non-profit organizations, hospital-based settings, private practice, the compression industry, and academic teaching, she brings a uniquely multidimensional perspective to lymphatic health and lipedema care.


    As a clinician-researcher, Dr. Letellier is committed to both developing and translating evidence-based best practice guidelines into real-world, patient-centered care. Her clinical and scholarly interests encompass lymphedema prevention and management as well as the assessment and conservative treatment of lipedema — two conditions that remain significantly under recognized within the Canadian healthcare landscape. Driven by a belief that rigorous science and compassionate care are inseparable, she works to bridge the gap between emerging research and the lived experiences of those she serves.



    • 12 Aug 2026
    • 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
    • Zoom
    Register


    Virtual Support Group 

    August 12th, 5:00 pm (EST) on ZOOM

    TOPIC:
    Self Massage, MLD Skin Care and Self Care


    Please join us for our monthly virtual support group consisting of lymphedema patients and LAO volunteers. Our support groups are a great opportunity for you to share and discuss your personal lymphedema management skills, information, hopes, fears, successes and hardships, all in a safe space to facilitate support and growth. 

    Join us on the second Wednesday of every month!

    __________________


    Basic Housekeeping:

    • Please keep yourself on mute to reduce background noise
    • There is typically a Q&A period at the end, so please save your questions for then
    • Feel free to use the chat feature to ask questions or raise your hand to talk
    • Please note that this session will not be recorded. We kindly ask that no screen captures, audio recordings, or video recordings be made during the presentation. This ensures a respectful and secure environment for all participants and speakers. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

    Disclaimer:
    The content of this presentation is confidential and property of the presenters. It is not intended to be distributed to any third party without their consent. As such, please do not screenshot, record, or tape the contents of this meeting or the individuals in attendance.

    The opinions expressed in the presentation are those of the presenter and not necessarily those of the LAO. Therefore, the LAO is not responsible for any content or information in the webinar. The LAO does not endorse any particular vendor product, company or personnel, and our webinars are for educational purposes only.

    Please note that if a webinar is being recorded you are providing consent to be recorded. You may keep your camera off if you wish to do so.

    Moreover, Information collected through polls or surveys may be addressed in future meetings and in meeting notes, that are available for other patients access. Through your attendance, you have consented for The Lymphedema Association of Ontario to use your first name only, for confidentiality purposes in note taking.

IMPORTANT SURVEY


COMMUNITY NEWS


VOLUNTEERS NEEDED


The Vodder School International is looking for lymphedema patients to volunteer as a "patient" for one of their upcoming classes.

Dolores Steinwall, President of the LAO, volunteered as a "patient" in the last cohort.

If you are interested in volunteering to help in the education of future therapist, please contact us as we will put you in contact with Vodder!

info@lymphontario.ca

To keep up to date with community Lymphedema news, events from other organizations, and resources, please click here for our page "Other Lymphedema News"

Our Generous Sponsors









Lymphedema Association of Ontario
Mailing Address: 262-2869 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON M8X 1B3 Canada
1-877-723-0033 | 416-410-2250 | info@lymphontario.ca

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