Jeanne Tassis, Founder of the
       Lymphedema Foundation, Inc.

 

Jeanne Tassis is a 25-year breast cancer survivor who has dealt with lymphedema for almost as many years. Here is her amazing and inspiring story:

In 1968, Jeanne Tassis graduated from, Eastern CT. State University and became an elementary school teacher.

15 years later, in 1983, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Two years later, she developed a swelling in her arm that, after years of misdiagnoses, was accurately identified as lymphedema. Despite the arduous surgery and radiation treatments she endured as a breast cancer patient, and the extreme discomfort she experienced with lymphedema, she managed to fulfill her dream of opening her own program for preschool children.

But after eight years, her dream ended when lymphedema took over her life. Ever the optimist, Jeanne considered the obstacle an opportunity. She figured that: "When one door closes, another door opens."

As a lymphedema patient for twenty years -- and as someone who has been able to keep her lymphedema under control -- Jeanne's goal is to educate others about the "hidden disease" of lymphedema. To that end, she founded the "Circle Of Hope Educational Forum and Support Group," a comprehensive program of education and support for lymphedema patients, their families and medical professionals.

At the same time, Jeanne originated the Butterfly Pin and Turquoise Ribbon as the first symbols of the Lymphedema Movement. The California-based National Lymphedema Network was so impressed that it adopted them as national - and international - symbols of the Lymphedema Movement. Jeanne also coordinated her home state's first Lymphedema Day Conference at which Governor John Rowland proclaimed May 1, 1999, as "Lymphedema Day In Connecticut." In March 2002   she had Governor Rowland proclaim March 6th as "Lymphedema Day" in the state of CT. She has since gotten Governor Jodi Rell to proclaim March as Lymphedema Month in the state of CT.

Jeanne was the treasurer, lymphedema program director and writer of "The Lymphedema Connection" for the Connecticut Breast Cancer Coalition Foundation. She was also co-editor for the Support Group and Advocacy columns for the National Lymphedema Network. She has recently completed a professional brochure, "What Is Lymphedema?" which you may receive from the foundation's website.

Currently, Jeanne is President and Founder of the Circle Of Hope Lymphedema Foundation Inc., a member of the National Lymphedema Network and their Lymph Science Advocacy Program (LSAP), originator of a lymphedema website (lymphedemacircleofhope.org), a presenter at the 2000 and 2002 NLN Conferences, produced a Professional Brochure "What Is Lymphedema?" and is an Associate of the North American Vodder Association of Lymphedema Therapy. She a certified trainer of the Lebed Method, Focus on Healing for both adults and children.

Jeanne has been featured in newspapers and mentioned in magazines like Readers Digest and was featured in the June 5th edition of the NY Times. She is presently working with Fox TV Studios in the UK on a documentary featuring a patient in Florida with lymphedema. This documentary will be shown in the UK and in the US.

But with all of her commitment to breast cancer issues, Jeanne's steady focus is on the organization she founded for lymphedema patients: Circle of Hope Lymphedema Foundation Inc.

"I want to promote, education and awareness for patients and medical professionals; innovative research; assist lymphedema patients in locating the best medical treatment, supplies and support; help in the training of therapists; and assist in the founding of lymphedema centers and advocating insurance coverage so everyone can get the treatment and supplies they need and deserve," she says. 

Circle of Hope is a 501(c)3 tax exempt, non- profit corporation and all contributions are tax deductible.

To support the work of Circle of Hope, please send your suggestions, recommended resources, or money orders or checks to the address below.