“I like putting puzzles together,” remarked Lymphatic Education & Research Network President and CEO William Repicci during this Lympha Press Leadership Series interview.
His story is remarkable: From Alaska to Africa; a background in psychology and Broadway plays to his current role with Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN); every stop in his journey prepared him to be an effective advocate for lymphatic causes.
When responding to a vague job description, he eventually turned down the offer because “I knew nothing about lymphedema.” But as he learned 10 million people were affected by a disease that had little recognition in the medical world, he took on the challenge. Initially rebranding what had been a failing and near-bankrupt organization, what we now know as LE&RN grew to become a positive force for both patients and clinicians.
Without LE&RN, there would be no World Lymphedema Day. Department of Defense research funding now includes lymphatic diseases, thanks to their advocacy efforts. The creation of LE&RN’s Centers of Excellence is also a highlight… but there’s much more work to do, and Repicci remains inspired as he enters his twelfth year of service at LE&RN’s help.
Find out more at https://www.lymphaticnetwork.org.
The Lympha Press Leadership Series is intended to raise awareness to leaders in lymphedema, CVI, wounds, and lipedema and the organizations that advocate for awareness and research. Lympha Press is proud to offer this content to serve both clinicians and patients.
