BRINGING LIGHT TO UNDERPRIVILEDGE INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH LYMPHEDEMA

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ABOUT US


Modern Techniques

Qualified Specialists

Nonprofit



If you are reading this, chances are, you or someone you love is experiencing some form of can cancer. Though the treatments for cancer can leave you feeling defeated, there is good news and light at the end of the tunnel: You can regain your strength and return to a high-quality life filled with activities of your choice. There are individuals within our community that have been hit with a ‘double whammy’; cancer and some loss of income; or simply did not have medical insurance. This is where we all come in.

The Lymphedema Foundation of South Florida is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization; your contribution is tax deductible. This organization provides treatments for the uninsured and/or underinsured patients of Dade,Broward and Monroe counties. This is made possible through a grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure ® http://komenmiaftl.org/grants/current-grant-recipients/, and the contribution of generous individuals like you. To see the actual list of the organizations and services rendered,click here

Our mission is to help women and men resume physically active lives after cancer treatment by providing the most relevant and up-to-date instruction, rehabilitation and educational resources. Our teachings are both evidence-based and garnered from clinical practice. We advocate practical principles of lymphedema management and proven prevention strategies. We are actively engaged in research to advance the treatment of lymphedema,

Our mission is to reduce and control the signs and/or symptoms of lymphedema, so our patients have a better quality of life.



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WE ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT WE DO.

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ANA MARIA MENDIETA

PHYSICAL THERAPIST & CERTIFIED LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST

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STEPHANIE FIGUEROA

LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST AND CERTIFIED LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST



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CARLENE CAMPBELL-DIAZ

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST AND CERTIFIED LYMPHEDEMA THERAPIST



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WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA?



The lymph system consists of lymph vessels, nodes and tissues. It is part of the circulatory system, and its role is to filter impurities, bacteria, toxins and dead cells from the circulatory system, and to produce lymphocytes for the immune system.

PRIMARY VS SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA


  • PRIMARY LYMPHEDEMA


    Occurs without any obvious cause at birth or later in life. It may be due to other medical conditions such as Stage II or III Cardio-Vascular Insufficiency (CVI). It is more common in women and usually appears on the legs.


  • SECONDARY LYMPHEDEMA


    Is caused by injury, scarring, excision of lymph nodes, or radiation in combination with surgery.

    Common treatments of cancer of the breast, uterus, bladder, cervix, ovary, prostate, testicles, hernias, malignant melanomas and lymphomas are associated with the development of lymphedema. It is estimated that there are 2.5 million cases of secondary lymphedema in the United States. Most of these cases are caused by cancer radiation therapy.




CORE SUPPORT

Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete Decongestive Therapy (MLD & CDT)


The purpose of MLD in the treatment of lymphedema is to re-route the excess lymph fluid around blocked areas into healthy lymph vessels by following the anatomy of the lymphatic system. This decreases the excess swelling of the extremity (arm or leg) and helps the body return to its natural state.

Complete Decongestive Therapy(CDT)


The purpose in compression therapy is to maintain the decongestive effects achieved during the MLD session. Compression therapy will prevent re-accumulation of fluid into the tissues. This is accomplished by using short-stretch bandages which are applied after the MLD session.

Medical Compression Garments


After patients have completed their lymphedema treatment they are fitted with compression garments. These compression garments are used to maintain and assist the patients in (facilitating and) controlling their condition. Our staff are certified fitters for Juzo, Jobst, Circaid and Reid medical compression garments.

Remedial Exercise


The lymphedema program itself includes an educational component. Our staff initially supervises the specific exercise program to ensure patients understand and are aware of how to do them correctly on their own. Each program is designed to meet the individual needs of the patient. Several factors are assessed such as the stage of lymphedema, age, medical status and fitness level of each patient.

DID YOU KNOW? WHAT’S UP YOUR SLEEVE?



Remedial Exercise


A very important part of controlling your Lymphedema is getting fitted properly for your compression sleeve and taking care of it.

The compression sleeve is recommended to assist you in controlling the swelling of your arm. The compression may vary from person to person depending on the stage of lymphedema. Compression could be 20-30mmHg or 30-40mmHg, this will be determined by your doctor or therapist. Even if you do not have signs of Lymphedema, but you are at a high risk, (most of your lymph nodes removed or underwent radiation), you should be using your sleeve preventively, especially while exercising and/or traveling on a plane.

Beware of Infections

Why? Infections can readily occur if you have Lymphedema, this is called “cellulitis”. If the arm or the quadrant where you had surgery, (a mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph nodes dissection, radiation, etc.), is swollen you may be at a higher risk of an infection, and a case of stage 2 or 3 Lymphedema increases your chances for infection(s) further.

FUTURE OUTREACH





We would like to continue expanding our work where it is needed.

Please contact us if you would like to underwrite an outreach program. Manufacturers and distributors of lymphedema products, foundations, sympathetic individuals and educational institutions are welcome partners.

Donations can be made by the PayPal link below or checks can be mailed to the address listed in the Contact tab.
7600 SW 57th Ave Suite #300 Miami, FL 33143

(305) 740-7292 Phone (305) 328-6624 Fax

You can help us accomplish our mission by making a tax-deductible donation.

Click the button below to start the process, and learn about our funding and nonprofit status.4

QUESTIONS

Ana M. Mendieta

Ana Maria Mendieta is the founder and President of Midas Touch Institute, a physical therapy clinic specializing in the personalized treatment of lymphedema. Her dedication has received praise and recognition within this specialized field of care. She is also the founder of the ‘The Midas Touch Institute’. Founded in 2000 on a personalized, patient-centered approach to cancer care. A physical therapy and lymphedema facility focused on the treatment of lymphedema patients after lymph node dissection, radiation or vascular insufficiencies.

Ms. Mendieta established the Lymphedema Foundation of South Florida (LFSF). With this, she achieved one of her greatest and personal accomplishments, “to help those in need” who are unable to afford receiving the proper lymphedema care and treatment. The foundation has touched many lives and has helped a great number of women and men in our community. She believes that education and prevention is the key to control this condition. To that end, she participates in community events and conferences to discussing quality of life while living with this condition.

Stephanie Figueroa

Treating individuals with physical and cognitive impairments was something I wanted to do (Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, Angelman Syndrome, amongst others). In 2007, with a degree in Massage Therapy from the Acupuncture and Massage College (AMC) and licensed, I started my career with Midas Touch. It was here that my vocation to serve and heal grew. As a massage therapist, I became certified in Swedish, Oncology, Shiatsu, Tui Na, Prenatal, Deep Tissue, and reflexology massages. Then came The Academy of Lymphatic Studies and I became certified in Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT). This certification allowed me to service patients with primary Lymphedema and/or patients with secondary Lymphedema, which developed from Lymph-node Dissection, Cancer, Radiation, Diabetes, Vascular insufficiency and more. In 2013, I began my studies in Oriental Medicine. In 2015, I received my Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and in 2016, my Master's degree in Oriental Medicine. I am in the process of being certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) board exam which will allow me to provide Acupuncture treatments, as well as Herbal Medicine consultation.

I was well aware that I wanted to work for an institute with highly qualified therapists that provided compassionate care for their patients. Midas touch and The Lymphedema Foundation of South Florida have confirmed that I am in the right field. Increasing people’s quality of life became my motivation.

Carlene Campbell-Diaz

My calling for lymphedema was a personal one. Breast Cancer knocked on my door in 2010. My mother was diagnosed and that is when my quest for lymphedema began. With Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, I began my career within the Baptist Hospital/Baptist Health South Florida Community. My passion is acute care and the rehabilitation of patients. I am also a certified Arthritis Foundation Aquacise Instructor and Coordinator of the Community Arthritis Support Group and a Senior Therapist specializing in Brain Injury.

Here, at the Lymphedema Foundation, I have the opportunity to work one on one with the South Florida and International community, as well as the less fortunate. Each of our staff shares a common goal of helping to facilitate healing and growth. We collectively bring years of experience to our roles as therapists in many different areas and complement each other.

I absolutely love working at The Midas Touch Institute and with the Lymphedema Institute of South Florida and seeing the impact we have within our Community.

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