We are saddened to share the news that Joan White, founder of the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network (LLN), passed away earlier this week. Joan was a lymphedema patient and true force of nature whose legacy will live on through the LLN and the many members of the lymphedema community whose lives were improved by her efforts.
Joan’s swelling began after a surgical procedure in 1988. After finding no lymphedema treatment centers in the United States, in 1991 she flew to Germany. After she returned and at her own expense, she helped a therapist become trained in Complete Decongestive Therapy. It became her mission to let other patients know that this treatment was available, and in 1993 she started the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network.
As Joan wrote in The Puzzle: An Inside Glimpse of Lymphedema, “Live your life to serve others, and never think you are alone.” Information about her memorial services is below. May Joan rest in peace knowing that the world, and particularly the lymphedema community, has been immeasurably improved through her service.
Heather Ferguson
Founder & Executive Director
Lymphedema Advocacy Group
LymphedemaAdvocacyGroup.org
Memorial Services for Joan White
Georgia: Visitation will begin at 1:00pm on Saturday, November 1st, followed by a memorial service at 2:00pm at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, in Roswell, GA.
Michigan: A Celebration Of Life will take place at the Scotts Community Center, 8450 S. 36th St, Scotts, MI 49088, on Friday, November 7th, at 2:00pm, with interment in the family plot at the nearby Boughton Cemetery.
