A HUGE Thank You to Our Partners

 The LLN is thrilled to announce that Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (GAABC) has granted the LLN Bandages and Garments Fund $10,000 for the grant year 2026-2027. These funds will be used to provide necessary compression supplies to underserved breast cancer survivors who have lympehdema. Since 2013, Georgia Alliance for Breast Cancer (GAABC) grants have helped the LLN serve approximately 350 individuals with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Thank you GAABC for helping us to continue serving our community!

Stay tuned for news on how to join us at the LLN Cheering Station where we encourage the walkers of the GAABC 2-Day Walk in October!

The Southern Loss Association (SLA) hosted the 2026 Larry Hart Memorial Spring Golf, Cornhole, and Pickleball Outing at Chateau Elan on Thursday, April 23. Each spring, the SLA sponsors this fun and well-attended event benefiting the LLN. This year’s outing raised $4,690 in support of the LLN’s mission. Larry Hart, late business partner of Doug White, was a dedicated supporter of both the SLA and the LLN whose legacy continues through this event. Participants enjoyed a day of friendly competition and camaraderie while giving back. Thank you to the SLA and all attendees for their continued generosity and commitment to making a difference!

Susan Freeman, Tournament Chairperson; Stephen Phillips, President, SLA; Deb Cozzone, Maureen Clark, Francine Schwartz Schuler, Beverly Thompson, Doug White

Join Team Lighthouse for the Sisters By Choice Pink Ribbon 5K Run-Walk

Lighthouse Lymphedema Network volunteers have formed a team for the Sisters by Choice annual Pink Ribbon 5K Run-WalkSisters by Choice annual Pink Ribbon 5K Run-Walk on Juy 18 at Piedmont Park. The Pink Ribbon 5K raises raise money and awareness to address disparities surrounding breast cancer services. All proceeds from the race will fund the SBC Mobile Breast Clinic, which travels throughout Georgia to help medically underserved men and women gain access to quality breast care.

In addition to forming a team with in-person and virtual participants, the LLN will also have an exhibitor's booth to share information and resources with walkers and attendees. Show your support and join Team Lighthouse today! 

Glymphatic Basics and the Endothelial Glycocalyx

M Mark Melin, MD, FACS, RPVI, FACCWS is the Medical Director of the Gonda Vascular Center Wound Clinic at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.  Read more about Dr. Melin

Recent imaging improvements let us see the lymphatic or glymphatic system within the brain’s meninges, or protective coverings. A lymphatic field includes hundreds of lymphatic capillaries surrounding its nodes.

Lymphatic drainage from the head is different from other parts of the body. As brain tissue becomes stiff due to age or illness, fluid builds up like water in a sponge. The glymphatics must be stimulated, or at least not impeded to initiate drainage or flushing. This often occurs during REM sleep.

The brain holds approximately 40% of the eight liters of lymphatic fluid produced daily, making glymphatic drainage crucial to our health. Researchers are investigating whether manual lymphatic drainage applied at the base of the neck and upper chest can enhance the movement of fluid out of the head or brain.Photo Credit: Haeren, Roel & van de Ven, Steffi & Zandvoort, Marcus & Vink, Hans & Overbeeke, Jacobus & Hoogland, Govert & Rijkers, Kim. (2016). Assessment and Imaging of the Cerebrovascular Glycocalyx. Current neurovascular research. 13. 10.2174/1567202613666160504104434.

The endothelial glycocalyx layer lines all vessels of the circulatory system. A healthy endothelial glycocalyx allows fluid to flow in one direction - out into the interstitial tissue from the capillary beds - but prevents its return to or reabsorption by the venous system. This is the essential component of the Revised Starling Principle. Breakdown of the endothelial glycocalyx is a problem in wound care as well as other disease processes, like diabetes and immobility.   Read more

Brain Lymphatics and Neuro-Lymphatic Therapy

Keynote Speaker, Carmen Recupero, BS, LPTA, CMT, CLT, is a certified massage and lymphedema therapist who teaches CLTs about new research and therapies for brain lymphatics, or “Glymphatics.”  Read more about Carmen Recupero

Glymphatic vessels drain fluid from around the brain. This fluid often contains proteins that are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Several diseases or conditions involving the brain are associated with fluid buildup or inflammation, including Multiple Sclerosis, ADHD, Depression, Long Covid, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism, Migraines, Stroke, Hardening of the Arteries, and Epilepsy. Neuro-lymphatic therapy is being researched in conjunction with other treatments for these conditions.

While neuro-lymphatic therapy does not cure these diseases, it is a non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical support for chronic aging or disrupted glymphatics. Carmen demonstrated techniques to help open the lymphatic pathways from the head and neck.

Individuals can support their own glymphatic systems byRead more about Carmen Recupero

1. Staying Hydrated
2. Breathing Deeply
3. Specific lymphatic manual techniques
4. Erect posture
5. Exercise, including stretching such as yoga as well as cardio.
6. Singing – creates cranial vibration that stimulates lymphatics.
7. Sleeping on one’s side with the head supported

Neuro-lymphatic therapy supports memory, focus, mood, and fluid homeostasis in the brain. Attendees at the hands-on session also reported that it feels wonderful!  Read more about Neuro-lymphatic Therapy

The Lighthouse Lymphedema Network’s 27th Annual Lymphedema Education and Awareness Conference

Therapists, researchers and patients gathered in Atlanta on October 17-18, 2025.