OUR HISTORY

The BC Lymphedema Association was born from the vision, passion, and leadership of its founding members, committed to raising awareness and advocating for people living with lymphedema.

Our organisation began in 2002 when Catherine DiCecca, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT), and Dr. Elliot Weiss, a physiatrist, had informal discussions about the lack of resources available for lymphedema patients and the high number of undiagnosed cases.

In 2006, Catherine brought together a team of three patients dedicated to providing education, resources, and support to empower individuals living with lymphedema. This led to our inaugural meeting in March 2006, and we continue their mission today:

To promote healthy and hopeful living with lymphatic disorders.

The BCLA has been a registered charity since 2007. Since then, we have:

• Added a toll-free information line and dedicated email

• Hosted Lymphedema Awareness and Education Workshops

• Established support groups

• Launched monthly newsletters for members

• Connected therapists with patients across the province through our annual professional resource directory and meetings with physicians and BC Cancer

• Fundraised for the UBC/VGH Lymphedema Surgical Clinic, which was established in 2021

• Created an advocacy committee and submitted a proposal to the BC provincial government to cover funding for compression garments for all lymphedema patients

• Formed a fund distribution committee offering awards to therapists pursuing certified lymphedema training

BC Lymphedema Association accomplishments have been significant, but the challenges faced: lack of awareness, frequent misdiagnosis or undiagnosed cases and the lack of medically funded treatment, education and diagnostic testing remain the key issues where BCLA directors continue to focus their efforts.