Meet the Board Members
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JoAnn Rovig, Founder/Secretary My cancer diagnosis was during the last month of my massage training where I was fortunate to see a demonstration on Manual Lymph Drainage. Realizing I was at risk for lymphedema, after having 22 lymph nodes removed and seven weeks of radiation, I headed for Austria to continue my education as a lymphedema therapist. In 1992 I opened the first lymphedema clinic in the Northwest. One of my first patients, Jane Gordon, and I immediately recognized the need to expand lymphedema awareness in our community, and we co-founded the Northwest Lymphedema Center as an educational facility for patients and their caregivers. The center has produced three self-care videos and has been offering classes and consultations for the last 16 years. |
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Lynn Fass, President I am both an RN and a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. I have been managing primary lymphedema of my legs since 1974 and of my arms since 1998. I enjoy sharing "tips" on lymphedema management with others with the goal in mind of improving their quality of life. 206-575-7775 |
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Julie Venn, Vice President "Trust your heart and know that there is always a part of us that questions and worries. It is not a matter of making that voice go away but rather how and what I do to honor the doubts and still move forward. What steps do I need to take that safeguard the concerns?" - Julie A. Venn My lymphedema and compression garment business focuses on the many steps to move forward with each person's lymphedema. After my diagnosis of breast cancer in 1994, my lymphedema showed up. I was able to get intensive training to treat lymphedema as a massage therapist in private practice. I facilitate a Lymphedema Networking Group in Puyallup once a month and am happy to support the NW Lymphedema Center's mission statement. |
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Linda G. Ward, Treasurer I have had secondary lymphedema in my right leg since 1990 resulting from the removal of 36 lymph nodes during cancer surgery for Burkitt's Lymphoma. I was very fortunate to find the Northwest Lymphedema Center shortly thereafter and credit my fairly moderate level of disfigurement to the knowledge and self-care training I received at the center. Education is the key to managing lymphedema and I would be very pleased to correspond with anyone who is facing their future with this chronic condition. |
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Robert G. Wright M.D. Prior to my retirement as a psychiatrist, I was involved in the supportive care of chronic mental illness which focused on continuity of care and support of patient education directed toward coping with illness and associated disability. When my wife developed inflammatory breast cancer and post-surgical lymphedema, I attended her self-care classes at the NWLC. I decided to contribute to community awareness of lymphedema by joining the Board of the NW Lymphedema Center. (206) 842-7224 |
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Dr. Julia Overstreet After 20 years in private practice as a podiatric physician and surgeon, I now devote my efforts to the education of patients and medical professionals in the area of diabetic foot care, wound care and amputation prevention. I have worked with lymphedema patients for over 15 years as part of my wound care practice. As a breast and ovarian cancer survivor myself, I understand what my patients go through. Having recently joined the Board of the Northwest Lymphedema Center, I hope to contribute both empathy and enthusiasm to the Center's clients and activities. |