The following message is from the Canadian Lymphedema Framework.
“After being charitably funded for 18 years, the Lymphedema Program of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) under Dr. Anna Towers in Montreal is threatened with closure effective April 1, 2024, due to a pending discontinuation of funding.
Does this decision impact only lymphedema patients in Quebec? Absolutely not. The need for standardized quality lymphedema care affects everyone in Canada. But the issue is much more than just funding. It’s fighting for lymphedema to be recognized as a chronic condition with care that deserves to be covered and integrated into our mainstream healthcare system. The MUHC Lymphedema Program is a model of care that other provinces reference in their advocacy efforts to have lymphedema diagnosis and care covered.
Closing this program will impact multiple advocacy efforts across the country. With cancer treatments becoming increasingly high-tech and expensive, we need to increase advocacy for essential support services such as lymphedema care.
We encourage all readers, regardless of where you live in Canada, the United States or abroad, to urgently lend your voice by signing the petition right now.”