March is Lymphedema Awareness Month and March 6th is World Lymphedema Day!
WLD represents a special opportunity to spread awareness and educate the world about lymphedema. In honour of this, we wanted to share some updates on what is happening in Alberta to recognize World Lymphedema Day.
Click through the tabs below to find information on events, awareness campaigns, fundraising, ideas on how to get involved, and more!
Each year, we reach out to the Alberta Health Minister and the Mayors of major cities in the province to request formal proclamations of World Lymphedema Day. We try to target the areas where we have members and contacts but if you would like use to reach out to your mayor, please contact us.
Last year’s proclamations are pictured below. We will post the 2025 proclamations here as we receive them:
AIRDRIE: Issued official proclamation on their municipal government website and via their newsletter but did not issue an official document.
LETHBRIDGE & BANFF: Non-proclamation policies prevented them from granting our request.
The province will be lit up the colour teal on March 6th to spread awareness of World Lymphedema Day. Be sure to visit a landmark near you. Snap a photo and send it to info@albertalymphedema.com to be entered into a draw for a $25 gift card!
*Landmarks in blue have been approved and confirmed for 2025. Those in white have been submitted but are pending approval.*
Here are some non-ALA organized events happening in Alberta, Canada, AND BEYOND during the month of March. Be sure to visit our Upcoming Events page for a complete list of upcoming events!
As we learn of other events happening on and around World Lymphedema Day in Alberta, we will share them here.
To mark the occasion, the Canadian Lymphedema Framework offers the Spring edition of Pathways, Canada’s Lymphedema Magazine, completely FREE to read online. Read the magazine and pass along the link to anyone who may benefit from learning something new about lymphedema this month.
The lymphedema associations in other provinces often throw events, celebrations, and conferences of their own in celebration of World Lymphedema Day. Keep your eye on this tab for information if you will be travelling within Canada in March or for opportunities to join virtual events!
The British Lymphology Society is offering a series of free webinars on useful topics during World Lymphedema Awareness Week:
https://www.thebls.com/pages/law
*NOTE: Times are in GMT. This corresponds to 5:00AM MT.
Stay in touch with other activities happening all around the world for World Lymphedema Day by visiting: https://lymphaticnetwork.org/wld/
Patients & Care-givers
Share! Spread awareness about lymphedema by sharing our awareness video, WLD Facebook and Instagram posts, or those of other orgs such as the Canadian Lymphedema Framework, Lymphatic Education & Research Network, etc.
Start a Facebook Fundraiser to raise funds during Lymphedema Awareness Month – search for ALA or another lymphedema charity and all donations are delivered to the charity directly!
Write a letter to the Minister of Health! Email us for a template to get you started.
Don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself! Ask your doctor to be more involved in educating themselves and their colleagues about lymphedema. We have a page of resources just for them!
Tell your healthcare provider about this course offered through the University of Alberta.
Lymphedema Therapists (and potential CLTS!):
Contact us for free pamphlets which you can display at your clinic or pass on to others
Ask us about our log books! These help patients track appointments, measurements, contacts, and more.
If you are not yet certified, consider becoming a Certified Lymphedema Therapist to improve treatment options for patients. We offer annual scholarships to Albertans wishing to study.
Doctors and Other Healthcare Professionals:
Check out our Resources for Healthcare Clinicians
ALA has recently partnered with IMD Health Global to provide you with easily accessible resources for your patients. More info
The Canadian Lymphedema Framework has helped design a course for healthcare professionals that is available through the University of Alberta. It is self-paced and offered 100% virtually. Learn more
Other Interested Community Members:
Continue your learning by signing up for our newsletter, reading Pathways Magazine, and accessing our other free resources.
Did you know that ALA is a completely volunteer-run organization? Consider checking out our available volunteer opportunities.
Share any of the photo assets below on social media on World Lymphedema Day to help spread awareness!
You can also reshare our posts and stories all week to help us get the word out.
Image files can be found here: LINK TO IMAGE FILES
