Lymphedema is the swelling of tissue due to the build-up of the lymph fluid in your body. That occurs when your lymphatic system is damaged, blocked, or removed. It affects your arms, your legs, and sometimes your genitals.

Besides being very disfiguring, lymphedema can cause pain due to underlying conditions.

Hi, I am Nathalie

I have secondary lymphedema caused by lymphatic filariasis – an infection affecting the lymphatic system. I contracted lymphatic filariasis at the age of 13 and only got a proper diagnosis at 19, then got treated.

Since then, I have lived with lymphedema and invested my time in finding ways to improve the quality of my life.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo where I am from, and in many other countries, this condition is still very taboo. 

I am a pharmacist and I want to raise awareness of lymphedema so people can be diagnosed faster, get proper treatment and find ways to live purpose-driven lives with their condition.