L’info AQL | October 2023

THE LAQ

BY YOU and FOR YOU!

Don’t miss the TIP OF THE MONTH on these pages!

$7000 RAISED BY THE WALK: THANK YOU!

On September 9, a group of 16 LAQ walkers gathered at Parc Frédéric-Back for the Lymphedema Walk held as part of the Grand défoulement event. Together, they kept their word to the 109 donors of this fundraiser and walked 5.5 km in perfect weather! Many thanks to all of you who generously contributed to this fundraising event, which raised over $7,000. What’s more, our booth, staffed by volunteer therapists Marie-Eve Letellier and Maude Jubinville, was visited by many people with lymphedema or at risk of developing the disease. Ginette Bardou, our interim executive director, Anne-Marie Joncas, president, and our super volunteers Marie-Thérèse Le Noir, Lynda Ouellet, and Lorna Rock were also on hand to welcome, coordinate and encourage the troops. Thank you all for this great success. See you again in even greater numbers next year!

The LAQ would like to thank the Fondation québécoise du cancer for opening the doors to the Grand défoulement. By teaming up with this important partner in cancer research, we’re able to raise awareness among those at risk, and benefit from the fundraising structure of an outstanding organization! Thank you, FQC!

SO AWESOME, MAUDE!

Maude Jubinville, therapist, professional member of the LAQ, and a highly involved volunteer, raised over $1600 for the Lymphedema Walk-Grand défoulement. Maude tells us her secret for encouraging her patients to participate: “I organized a contest. For every donation to the Walk, I gave my clients a ticket giving them the chance to win a free treatment with me. I put up a poster on the wall of my treatment room, and not only did it generate a great deal of interest in the LAQ, but also a great turnout!” The LAQ says thank you, Maude, for this genius idea. Thanks also to all your customers who supported the lymphedema cause with a donation!

An idea every therapist can use!

Here’s another great idea from Maude: her super promotion “Become a LAQ member and run the chance to win your treatment!” That says it all! In addition to participating in an in-house draw conducted by the therapist, clients learn more about the LAQ and are proud to support their patient association. Maude challenges all other LAQ therapists to do the same.

Gisèle Laliberté: a super collector

For several years now, Gisèle Laliberté, a certified lymphedema therapist, has been raising thousands of dollars for the LAQ. Acting as a true dynamo among her clients and those around her, Gisèle has the knack of mobilizing her troops. In the spring of 2023, the amount raised by Gisèle exceeded $2,800

Thank you Gisèle, and thank you to your circle of donors for your loyal devotion to the lymphedema cause.

“Become a LAQ member and get a chance to win your treatment!”

THE 2023 LYMPHEDEMA GUIDE IS ONLINE !

In addition to offering a wealth of comprehensive information, the new LAQ website provides online access to the bilingual Lymphedema Guide 2023. Explore this directory of resources, which is enhanced every year!

Une foule de ressources !

The LAQ’s 2023 virtual and bilingual directory is easily accessible by QR code. It lists certified therapists in all regions of Québec, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of compression garments, as well as lymphedema services in hospitals. It also provides information on the proper use of the RAMQ’s compression garment program.

Vivre au quotidien : conseils et autogestion

As always, the Lymphedema Guide contains a lot of information on our education and support groups, exercise programs, and community financial assistance. Visit https://infolympho.ca/informer/bottin/

The 2024 printed edition of the Lymphedema Guide - currently in preparation - will be distributed free of charge in 5000 copies to CLSCs, family medicine groups, our partners, and directly to patients. The launch of the LAQ English website is planned for November 2023.

TO ALL THERAPISTS: keep an eye on your e-mail. You’ll receive a card with a QR code enabling your patients to access the Guide and website simply by scanning the code with their smartphone.

Localisez facilement les thérapeutes et détaillants

Learn self-massage principles

Découvrez ProLymph : la plateforme de ressources réservée aux professionnels

Your next online education and support group takes place on October 19 at 7 p.m.

Discover the Principles of Self-Massage with Angela Yung and Marize Ibrahim, certified therapists from the Lymphedema Clinic of the MUHC. Join the LAQ’s online education and support group on Thursday, October 19 at 7 p.m. to learn and practice the basics of self-massage for the trunk, leg, and arm. Zoom presentation in French. Bilingual question and answer period. Registration required at aql@infolympho.ca

Vidéos • Programme de la RAMQ • Ordonnance type • Programme de soutien thérapeutique • Calendrier des groupes de soutien • Aide financière communautaire

Consultez le nouveau site Web de l’AQL pour des informations fondées, des conseils judicieux, des thérapeutes certifiés et des laboratoires d’orthèses

par la RAMQ. Balayez le code QR ou rendez-vous au infolympho.ca

aql@infolympho.ca

THE LAQ MEETS WITH PHARMACY NURSES

On September 30, the LAQ took part in the 4th provincial meeting of the IIPQ - Infirmières et infirmiers en pharmacie du Québec. Following Dr. Anna Towers’ tele-presentation on lymphedema at the event, the LAQ booth was one of the busiest in the exhibit hall. We were represented by Nathalie Côté, who is a nurse, Casley-Smith-certified lymphedema therapist, fitter, and member of the MUHC Lymphedema Clinic team. She was joined by Ginette Bardou, Interim Executive Director, who did an outstanding job of networking.

Another success that enabled us to raise awareness of chronic swelling/lymphedema among front-line healthcare professionals.

This event is made possible by your donations. Thank you for your support!

LYMPHEDEMA’S IMPACT ON SEXUALITY

On September 11, the LAQ was invited by the Coalition Priorité Cancer to raise awareness of the impact of lymphedema on sexuality, particularly among professionals working with cancer survivors.

The theme of the symposium was “Cancer, sexuality and sexual well-being”, and the LAQ was able to slip relevant information into the bags given to delegates at this major event held by our partner in Montreal. Cancer, its treatment, and chronic side-effects - including lymphedema - have a major impact on sexuality, both physical and psychological, and therefore on quality of life.

Once again, our motto “Together, it’s less of a burden” came into its own. Our thanks to the Coalition Priorité Cancer for their warm welcome and proactive approach to decision-makers.

Upcoming events at which your association will be active in raising awareness of lymphedema, its screening, diagnosis, and treatment - as well as of LAQ and ProLymph services:

- Canadian Lymphedema Framework Lymphedema Conference, Toronto, November 3-4, 2023

- ROCO Networking - Regroupement des organisations communautaires en oncologie, October 2023

OUR HONOURED COLLEAGUE CHANTAL LAPOINTE PHYSIO FOR YOUNGSTERS

Mireille Goyette: a pioneer bids farewell to her clientele

Certified therapist Mireille Goyette closed her clinic this year for a well-deserved retirement.

A professional member of the LAQ since the very beginning, Mireille has accompanied hundreds of patients in the western suburbs of Montreal, in the Outaouais region, and as far away as the Ontario border. In addition, she left her mark on the LAQ by taking part in the creation of the Association’s first website, collaborating with Pamela Hodgson on continuing education workshops for LAQ therapists, and providing invaluable advice on our toll-free telephone line. We owe a debt of gratitude to this builder with a heart on her sleeve.

For all that you have contributed to the LAQ, we say thank you.

The LAQ also extends its sympathies to you on the death of your spouse. We wish you rest and serenity in your retirement.

Thank you Mireille.

Chantal Lapointe, our dear colleague and LAQ Board member, was the subject of a special tribute this year. The CHU SainteJustine presented her with the Prix Parcours professionnel awarded by the Multidisciplinary Committee.

Let’s find out more about this outstanding professional who works with children suffering from lymphedema. Here is an extract from the honors she received:

Chantal Lapointe began her career at CHU Sainte-Justine as a physiotherapist in dermatology, where she has worked for over 31 years. Her diversified career path

has led her to develop expertise with a variety of specialized clientele in several fields. She worked with long-term care clients, then joined the team at the Centre de réadaptation Marie Enfant (CRME) for a time. On her return to the CHUSJ, she held a position in surgery-trauma, before turning to the hemato-oncology-immuno-rheumatology clientele. Throughout her career, Chantal has also developed numerous collaborations with specialized clinics and taken part in teaching activities. Having taken over as physiotherapist in the lymphedema clinic, Chantal completed her training in complex lymphatic therapy.

Chantal has also collaborated as an author on numerous scientific publications in her field of expertise. Chantal has already made her mark at CHU SainteJustine, thanks to her professional qualities and her involvement with numerous clientele. She continues to contribute to innovative projects, such as the implementation of therapeutic yoga for young people with eating disorders.

The LAQ thanks you for your patience

For several months now, LAQ services have been disrupted, resulting in unusually long delays for our members, suppliers, partners, and the public. We sincerely apologize. A new interim executive management team, supported by volunteers, was put in place in August to overcome the difficulties. By the end of October, all backlogs will have been cleared, from orders for wristbands and measuring tapes to membership subscriptions, information material, and Tax receipts. If you have not received what you are owed by early November, please let us know by writing to aql@infolympho.ca or calling 514 979-2463. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

THE STORE OF HOPE

Our online store is ACTIVE at https://infolympho.ca/boutique/ Shop the Store and support your LAQ!

TIP OF THE MONTH

CLEAN AND HYDRATE

The skin of a limb affected by lymphedema reflects a deficient lymphatic system that cannot properly eliminate impurities in the body. Help protect your a gentle, non-perfumed soap daily along with a good emollient lotion.