Awards and Honors

Thank you to everyone who has made the LLN a success.  From the Volunteers who give of their time and resources to the Physicians and Therapists who are willing to learn more about this disease, we couldn’t do it without you.  From the one time supporters to the yearly supporters, every dollar counts and we couldn’t do it without you.  From the vendors who support our events and bring their knowledge of products to the public and therapists, we couldn’t do it without you.  We are so thankful for everyone’s continued support, enthusiasm, dedication and passion that makes LLN such a success. 25 years ago this did not seem like a possiblity, but with the support we receive from volunteers and donors year after year, we are able to continue our bandages and garments fund, and help to educate and bring awareness of lymphatic disease to the forefront. As we move forward into another year, we are praying for another prosperous year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Larry Ashmore, OUR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2015!

“Every year at this time, we recognize one of our own who has shown exceptional service to LLN. The person we recognize this year has served as the LLN treasure for several years. After his cancer surgery, he developed lymphedema in his arm from an infected port for chemo delivery. His positive attitude and happy smile has seen him through two reoccurrences. You will see him today with is iPhone and credit card “Square”, which he will happily use if you purchase a basket or other item being sold today to help our patients through Bandages and Garment Fund. Larry retired as VP at SunTrust Bank and immediately started teaching classes at Georgia State University to share all the knowledge he acquired during his career. We thank Larry Ashmore for his service to LLN, and recognize him today as our 2015 Volunteer of the Year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Debbie Labarthe, OUR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2014!

The Lighthouse Lymphedema Network would like to recognize a very special person as our 2014 Volunteer of the Year. In 2003, when her grandson was born with swelling in his right leg and pelvis area, she dedicated herself to finding a diagnosis. Through her determination, eventually her grandson was diagnosed with primary lymphedema through the Vascular Anomalies at the Children’s Hospital of Boston. She has served on the LLN Board of Director since 2004 on various committees including our book committee, medical conference and is the primary representative for Parent Networking. She has served as the LLN secretary since 2006 and most recently as our FACEBOOK coordinator. The LLN Board of Directors is honored to recognize Debbie Labarthe as 2014 Volunteer of the Year.

Every year at this time, we recognize one of our own who has shown exceptional service to the LLN.  This year we recognize two persons from the LLN Board, Vicky Day and Billie Barron.  Without both of these exceptional volunteers our Annual Conference would not run as smoothly as it does.  We thank both Vicky and Bill for their service to the LLN, and recognize them today as our 2013 Co-Volunteers of the Year.

CONGRATULATIONS TO VERA NEWMAN, OUR VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2012!

As chairperson of the book committee, she gave us direction and led the committee to create our book The Puzzle: An Inside Glimpse of Lymphedema. This was a project that seemed to grow in intensity, but the committee was diligent in its quest to produce a book that the LLN would be proud of and that patients and professionals would be touched by the stories. The book was written to encourage, educate and inspire patients and loved ones, who can often feel isolated and uninformed. Not every story had a happy ending, yet there is hope. By sharing these stories with one another, we can learn from the struggles and successes that others have experienced and can help each other to live well with lymphedema. Vera serves on our Bellmere Gardens Luncheon, Tour and Plant committee, and our website committee.Vera, we are proud to honor you as our 2012 Volunteer of the Year!

Deb Cozzone, 2011 Volunteer of the Year 

Joan White (left) presents 2011 Volunteer of the Year Award to Deb Cozzone (right). “This year, so many have done so much, but there is one person who definitely stands alone in her dedication to the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network. She not only spent endless hours committed to making our book a reality, but she is the administrator of our Bandages and Garment Fund. She is on the legislative committee, serves as our grant writer, and works on the fall conference committee. We would like to recognize Deb Cozzone as the 2011 LLN Volunteer of the Year.” 

Team Award 2010, Volunteers of the Year   “In recognition of your compassion, dedication, and service to the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network through your unselfish volunteer work to promote, educate and create awareness for all lymphatic diseases. We celebrate you today! Honor you! Thank you! “   Pictured (L to R) Dolores Bradley, Deb Cozzone, Vicky Day, Gwen Forbes-Kirby, Vera Newman, Shirley Tucker, Shelley Smith-DiCecco, Beverly Thompson, Samantha Cannon, Elaine Gunter, Cole Sanders, Gary Gunter, Joan White.   Not pictured: Larry Ashmore, Linda Harman, Stephanie Kirkpatrick, Jennifer Kitt, Clint Labarthe, Debbie Labarthe, Pat O’Connor, Stacy Saraydar, Janie Smith, Lisa Sollenberger, DeCourcy Squire, and Sandi Stephens.

Joan White, 11-Alive Community Service Award

Thursday, April 3, 2008, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia Joan was recognized for founding and serving as the director of the Lighthouse Lymphedema Network of Greater Atlanta, GA. “Thank you 11 Alive for this award and giving Lymphedema a voice at this fabulous occasion. To all the 11 Alive winners, you are the backbone of creativity and leadership in our community. May I say, “Hats off to each of you for your volunteerism and sense of community spirit”. May all who listen to this telecast, be inspired to step forward and find a cause that lifts your heart. Humor keeps us “happy”. Volunteerism keeps us focused and gives us rewards beyond description! Friends are our gifts along life’s journey. Family is our true reward. My sincere thanks for this honor.”