"I like putting puzzles together," remarked ‪@LymphaticnetworkOrg‬ President and CEO William Repicci during this #LymphaPress Leadership Series interview.

His story is remarkable: From Alaska to Africa; a background in psychology and Broadway plays to his current role with Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN); every stop in his journey prepared him to be an effective advocate for lymphatic causes.

When responding to a vague job description, he eventually turned down the offer because "I knew nothing about #lymphedema." But as he learned 10 million people were affected by a disease that had little recognition in the medical world, he took on the challenge. Initially rebranding what had been a failing and near-bankrupt organization, what we now know as LE&RN grew to become a positive force for both patients and clinicians.

Without LE&RN, there would be no #WorldLymphedemaDay. Department of Defense research funding now includes #LymphaticDiseases, thanks to their advocacy efforts. The creation of LE&RN's Centers of Excellence is also a highlight... but there's much more work to do, and Repicci remains inspired as he enters his twelfth year of service at LE&RN's help.

Find out more at https://www.lymphaticnetwork.org.

The Leadership Series is brought to you by ‪@Lympha_Press‬, whose mission is to make life better for patients living with lymphedema, #ChronicVenousInsufficiency, #lipedema, and #wounds.