For more than a decade, Elizabeth Brown has battled lymphedema. Her condition causes fluid retention and painful swelling in her left leg. Thanks to your gift, she’s finally found relief. You support investments in new innovative lymphedema treatments here in Hampton Roads.

“It took awhile for me to get diagnosed,” Elizabeth says. “And lymphedema is progressive — it got steadily worse and worse. By the time I got connected with a lymphedema therapist and started treatment, it had progressed to the point of needing surgery.”

Thanks to your generous support, Elizabeth was able to receive lymphovenous bypass microsurgery from Dr. Kyle Xu at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center. Using an advanced, high-powered surgical microscope funded by donor gifts, Dr. Xu successfully rerouted her lymphatic flow to prevent fluid buildup in her leg. Elizabeth went home the same day and experienced minimal pain.

“I’ve noticed a really big difference,” she says. “Prior to my surgery I had to wear my compression stocking from hip to foot 100 percent of the time. As soon as I took it off, I would feel the lymph fluid start to tighten my skin. Now, I can take it off for hours at a time with no swelling.”

Elizabeth is grateful to donors who support Dr. Xu with the equipment he needs. Not only has her physical pain abated, but she’s free of the emotional pain that came from the attention her swollen leg would garner from strangers.

“It really impacted my body image. I was wearing clothes that weren’t very flattering. People would make comments. Having your leg on display for everybody to see is — it’s not fun,” she says.