LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Jordan Schessler on her outstanding
advocacy to raise awareness and funds for Lymphedema research

WHEREAS, In honor of National Lymphedema Network's D-Day on March 6,
2011, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Jordan Schessler,
an incredible and invaluable advocate for Lymphedema research and educa-
tion, on her outstanding advocacy to raise awareness and funds for Lymp-
hedema research; and
WHEREAS, Jordan Schessler, an 18-year-old woman from Plainview, Long
Island, has done a commendable job raising awareness and funds to find a
cure for Lymphedema; and
WHEREAS, There is no cure for lymphedema and affected individuals
endure physical and emotional distress caused by the chronic swelling in
their extremities, torso, head, and neck, or abdomen; lymphedema mainte-
nance requires lifetime surveillance and treatment consisting of
complete decongestive therapy (CDT) from a certified lymphedema thera-
pist, use of compression bandages and garments, and daily self-care; and
WHEREAS, As illustrated quite elegantly in her essay "I Have Lymphede-
ma - Lymphedema Does Not Have Me" published in the July/September 2010
edition of the National Lymphedema Network Magazine, Jordan Schessler
has engaged Lymphedema patients of all ages, especially children who
struggle to live with their condition; and
WHEREAS, Jordan Schessler created a young adult support group to
establish a forum for young Lymphedema patients to engage other
patients; through this young adult support group, Jordan has impressed
upon young patients that Lymphedema should never stop them from doing
anything they wished to do; and
WHEREAS, Lymphedema failed to stop Jordan Schessler from captaining
her high school varsity volleyball and softball teams, but this amazing
young woman has defied the odds by playing softball at the collegiate
level at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, Jordan Schessler's success creating the young adult support
group propelled her to step up her activism; during her high school
career, she organized two fundraisers called "the Scavenger Hunt for a
Cure for Lymphedema"; the two events were huge successes and raised a
significant amount for the National Lymphedema Network; and
WHEREAS, Perhaps Jordan Schessler's most rewarding aspect of her advo-
cacy has been the opportunity to become a role model for those struggl-
ing with Lymphedema; she believes encouraging kids to live their dreams
allowed her to realize another role in her journey, that of being a
mentor and advocate, as she could share information she had to figure
out on her own; in addition, she feels that in helping these children,
she ultimately helps herself; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the well-being and vitality of their community and have shown a
long and sustained commitment to excellence certainly have earned the
recognition and applause of all the citizens of this great Empire State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Jordan Schessler for her advocacy for Lymphedema awareness as
well as for her desire to help those struggling with Lymphedema; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jordan Schessler, Plainview, Long Island, New York.