Teresa Gambaro (Brisbane, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

For the past 10 years, I have been the proud patron of the Lymphoedema Association of Queensland. Lymphoedema is a chronic swelling that occurs usually in the arms and legs when the body's lymphatic system fails to function properly. For many sufferers ordinary everyday activities can be difficult and their quality of life is affected. This can particularly be the case for lymphoedema sufferers when the effects of hot and humid conditions increase swelling, but things can be just as difficult at other times of the year as well.

March is Lymphoedema Awareness Month and the theme this year is 'Lymphoedema—Survive and Thrive'. Throughout the month, the Lymphoedema Association of Queensland is conducting a number of free information sessions across Brisbane to help raise awareness of this condition and its treatment. I want to put on the record my absolute appreciation for Nerida Smith and all of her committee at the Lymphoedema Association of Queensland. From my time as patron, I know there are people in the community who may or may not know they have the condition and maybe worried about it. I want to assure them that lymphoedema is treatable and support is close at hand in the form of the work done by the Lymphoedema Association of Queensland and its strong support network. It has been a privilege to work with them over the last 10 years and I will continue to do so. I want to commend the association for the wonderful work that they do in supporting sufferers and educating the general and medical community about the condition. I wish them well for Lymphoedema Awareness Month.