H.E.A.R.T for Gloria

Gloria has a debilitating condition called lymphoedema. This is a chronic condition that seriously affects Gloria’s quality of life. Her days are filled with intense pain, an inability to move or simply enjoy everyday activites. The pain is so bad it can be unbearable.

Lymphoedema occurs when the body's lymphatic system is impaired. The lymphatics are part of our immune system which helps clean out toxins, waste products and infections in the tissue. In simple terms, its like a 'waste disposal system' for our body – removing fluid, bacteria and waste products from tissue around the skin, muscle and bone.

If these waste products cannot be removed naturally from the body, they build up in the form of toxic fluid in body tissue. This fluid usually pools in the limbs but if not treated will move through other areas of the body causing intense swelling and incredible pain which can then cause secondary infections such as cellulitis, skin splits, tumours and scar tissue to build up. If this happens, it's a difficult battle to get on top of and the infections are very serious.

The result of this can be seen in the photo of Glorias legs next to those of the lymphoedema therapist. Lymphoedema has ravaged Glorias body, now most of her day is spent in a motorised wheelchair because she cannot move freely.

Lymphoedema is more manageable by using manual lymphoedema therapy (a specialised form of massage and therapy). This treatment can effectively reduce Gloria’s pain, discomfort and potential for developing dangerous secondary complications.

Unfortunately there is no medical funding for this treatment under the public system, so we are hoping to raise enough money to provide Gloria with a year of intensive lymphoedema therapy which will give her pain relief and allow the condition to be effectively managed and treated with ongoing maintenance.

We need to raise $5000 to provide this treatment with a qualified and registered Clinical Naturopath who is trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) experienced in lymphoedema massage, lymphoedema strapping and management, as well as provide training for an additonal therapist as the treatment is intense and lengthy. Please help us help Gloria to have a quality of life most of us enjoy. We thank you greatly for any donation that you contribute.

For more information about Lymphoedema: http://www.lymphoedema.org/menu3/Index.asp