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What I Learned from Hosting My First LAF Fundraiser Event
by Pam Smith
Having developed an aversion to public speaking at a young age, I have been
quite comfortable in my ''worker bee'' role with the Lymphedema Awareness
Foundation (LAF); however, when approached by Josephine Carey, founder of the
LAF, to host the 2002 Work Out for Lymphedema event, I could not refuse. So on
October 5, 2002, I hosted the event at the Golden Triangle YMCA in Tavares, FL.
My clinic at the Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Rehabilitation and
Wellness is housed in the YMCA. It was a joint venture in 1992 to provide rehab
services in a community setting. It was the first of its kind and with its
success similar ventures have followed.
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Mayor of the City of Tavares, opens Work Out event. |
The road leading to this event was an arduous one. We had a three-month
deadline. Having no previous experience coordinating an event, I felt somewhat
daunted and overwhelmed. Josephine and my faithful lymphedema support group
helper, Pat Thompson, joined the team. I had no further volunteers to assist
with mailings, copying, phone calls, advertising and local marketing prior to
the event. My coworkers assisted with setup and registration. My facility
donated copying and postage expenses. Several individuals and my vendors donated
items for a raffle. Publix Supermarkets and a private donation provided the
food.
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Yoga and breathing exercises |
Planning the program proved to be an easier task. Mayor Robert Speaks of
Tavares read the proclamation that officially opened our event. He hoped that
everyone became more aware of the affect lymphedema has on the lives of people
living with lymphedema. Ginger Cox, a Vodder trained Lymphatic Therapist who
practices in Orange Park and Deland, lead the exercise portion of our program.
With lively music, she utilized stretching as well as exercises incorporating
Swiss therapy balls. John Colvin, a Cardiac Certified Hatha Yoga teacher from
Yoga Dharma in Mount Dora, taught breathing and relaxation exercises that can be
done by almost anyone. Vendors from Reid sleeve and Circaid demonstrated their
products. We scheduled ample time during breaks for attendees to visit with the
vendors and to glean educational materials from the LAF booth. In four short
hours, our 45 attendees were given exercises and information on how to live
better with lymphedema.
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Stimulating the lymphatic system through exercise |
I have seen a steady increase in the number of referrals for Manual Lymph
Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) since the Workout for
Lymphedema fundraiser event. Healthcare professionals as well as the community
have requested more information than usual about lymphedema and its treatment. I
have been fortunate to work with therapists who have been supportive of
lymphedema treatment but I believe the speakers and individuals living with
lymphedema further educated them and the other attendees. My manager was
delighted to see such a strong turnout from the community. One of our goals has
been to provide quality rehab programs along with education. He believes that
this event provided both.
I volunteered to host the next Workout event on October 25, 2003. I learned
quite a few things from my first experience:
- Plan early. We began planning in February this year.
- Recruit committed volunteers, form committees and allocate the work.
- Make a written request for financial support from companies at least
three-four months in advance.
- Use lymphedema events to secure vendors. Ask those at your own event
for the next year. Mine are returning again this year as well as
a bandage company.
- Contact the media regarding your event, and keep them updated.
- Delegate, delegate, delegate.
I survived public speaking, because of my passion. I firmly believe that a
better awareness in the community will give those living with lymphedema a
better community in which to live...an understanding, well-informed community.
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About the Author:
Pam Smith
Pam Smith is a Registered Occupational Therapist and a Certified Lymphedema
Therapist at the Florida Hospital Waterman Center for Rehabilitation and
Wellness in Tavares, FL. She was graduated from the University of Alabama with a
BS degree in Occupational Therapy in 1988. In 1993, she relocated to Florida to
develop the outpatient Occupational Therapy department at FHW. After a 13-year
career in orthopedic and hand rehab, Pam looked for another specialty to
complement her practice. She received her Manual Lymph Drainage and Complete
Decongestive Therapy certification from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies in June 2001. Pam is a LAF volunteer and coordinates a monthly lymphedema support group in Lake County. For the past two years, she has been a team captain for the Lake County ''Relay for Life.'' |
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