Sister Faith Marie Woolsey, FSE, Physical Therapist, Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care, gave an educational presentation on lymphedema to the Rotary Club of Wallingford at the invitation of Tom Laffin, a Rotarian and the Information Technology Supervisor for the agency. Sister Suzanne Gross, FSE, Administrator, spoke about the programs and services of Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care.
Lymphedema is swelling in one or more extremities resulting from impaired flow of the lymphatic system. Primary lymphedema is rare, affecting 1 in 100,000 individuals. Secondary lymphedema is the most common cause of the disease and affects approximately one in 1000 Americans. Franciscan Home Care and Hospice Care is educating the public about lymphedema as well as writing grants in order to procure needed supplies not covered by insurance for patients with this condition.