LE&RN Joins U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer in Applauding NIH Funding: Historic Funding Bill Prompts Call for Greater Focus on Lymphatic Research
New York, NY (PRWEB) January 14, 2016 -- At the end of 2015, Congress did something remarkable and encouraging – it provided the National Institutes of Health (NIH) with an additional $2 billion in research dollars. LE&RN immediately commended this positive action and has requested that up to $70 million of the new budget be earmarked for lymphedema and lymphatic disease research.
“Up to 10 million Americans suffer with lymphedema and lymphatic diseases,” said William Repicci, Executive Director of Lymphatic Education & Research Network (LE&RN). “That’s more than AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and ALS — combined. We are confronting a lymphedemic®, which requires dedicated resources and research funding dollars. As a leading national advocate for these diseases, LE&RN has been communicating with our lawmakers in Washington about what this positive turn of events might mean for lymphatic research and we are asking for dedicated research dollars. We are fortunate that U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (NY) has been a longtime friend and advocate for our community, and we are encouraged by his recent statements regarding the NIH funding bill.”
In 2014, the Senator received the LE&RN Research Leadership Award for his dedication to research. The Senator has been tireless in his efforts to provide hope and, eventually, research solutions for all those who suffer with these illnesses. Senator Schumer recently spoke out about the NIH funding bill and LE&RN’s efforts to secure dedicated lymphatic research funding.
“Researchers at the National Institutes of Health and across the country have been waiting for a signal that their profession is a priority in the eyes of law makers, and the appropriations bill was a step in the right direction,” said Senator Schumer. “Year after year, I have pushed for increased, predictable research funding so that researchers across New York and the country can continue to develop a strong workforce. In particular, I believe that it is time that lymphatic researchers become a larger part of this workforce. At long last the NIH has the funding level it needs to uphold these priorities to make America a leader in innovative research once more.”
Visit LE&RN on their website at LymphaticNetwork.org to learn more about LE&RN’s advocacy efforts on behalf of lymphatic research and to join with them in contacting lawmakers to ensure that lymphedema and lymphatic diseases receive the attention necessary to address this lymphedemic.
About LE&RN
Founded in 1998, the Lymphatic Education & Research Network (formerly LRF) is a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization whose mission is to fight lymphatic disease and lymphedema through education, research and advocacy. LE&RN provides valuable education resources for the millions of people who suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic disease. LE&RN fosters and supports research that can deepen the medical community's understanding of the lymphatic system. For more information about lymphatic disease or the Lymphatic Education & Research Network, please visit http://www.LymphaticNetwork.org or call (516) 625-9675.
Laura Farrell, Lymphatic Education & Research Network, http://www.lymphaticnetwork.org, +1 9177517379, [email protected]
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