Paying it Forward, How Small Acts Can Lead to Great Things

"Great acts are made up of small deeds"- Lao Tzu

Lymphoedema Awareness Month has given us a chance to reflect on the incredible progress the LKN Foundation has made over the past three years.

Each step forward brings us closer to our mission, and one shining example of how small acts can create a ripple effect is the inspiring journey of Adrian Lim, our inaugural LKN Scholarship recipient of the LKN Lymphoedema Practitioner Scholarship, part of our in-country capacity building strategy.

From Personal Motivation to Widespread Impact

Adrian’s passion for lymphoedema care began with his grandmother, who developed swollen legs due to colon cancer. Even as a qualified physiotherapist, he found himself lacking the necessary skills to help her. Determined to make a change, he reached out to Moving Lymph and initiated the first Dr Vodder training courses in the Philippines in 2018, but the global pandemic disrupted his plans to complete the Lymphoedema training.

In 2023, the LKN Foundation, in collaboration with Moving Lymph, brought Adrian to Australia to complete his training and become a certified Lymphoedema Practitioner. Since then, his impact has been profound, working alongside local organisers to graduate the first batch of Dr Vodder-trained Lymphoedema Practitioners in the Philippines, including 6 Medical Doctors and 9 Physiotherapists.

Identifying and Addressing Gaps in Care

Being on the ground in the Philippines, Adrian quickly identified significant gaps in lymphoedema care, including the lack of general awareness among health professional and those affected. To bridge these gaps he has shared his expertise at the Philippine National Cancer Summit 2025, raising awareness about lymphoedema management.

Making Training Accessible to More Filipinos

One of Adrian’s key missions is to make lymphoedema training accessible to therapists from distant provinces.

Many healthcare professionals in poorer regions earn as little as USD 80 per week, making it nearly impossible to afford travel and training costs. Thanks to Adrian's efforts, several scholars have been able to access life-changing education and bring vital lymphoedema care to their communities.

Adrian has also recently passed a hand check to enter the Dr Vodder training program and we wish him all the bets during that arduous process!

Scholars Benefiting from Adrian’s “Pay It Forward” Approach

Lelette Navarro (Surigao del Sur). Lelette’s journey began when her hospital’s rehabilitation physician, Dr. Nessa Gelvosa, introduced her to the Dr Vodder training.

With Adrian’s support, Lelette completed her Applied MLD training in 2024 and has since been using MLD techniques to treat patients with musculoskeletal conditions and sinusitis, significantly improving their conditions. Now fully trained in lymphoedema management, she aims to establish a lymphoedema clinic in her government hospital, ensuring much-needed care for her community.

April Carreras (Cancer Exercise Specialist). April’s journey is deeply personal—she is a breast cancer thriver who saw first-hand the limited access to proper lymphoedema care in the Philippines. Motivated by the struggles of fellow cancer survivors, she pursued lymphoedema training to provide better support. As she puts it: “Being a lymphoedema therapist in the Philippines is more than a certification; it is a privilege and a responsibility to help more people in need.”

Vince (Bataan Province). Vince’s journey began in 2021 when he sought upskill himself to service his community better, and his research soon revealed that lymphoedema therapy was rare in the Philippines. However, training opportunities were either unavailable locally or prohibitively expensive abroad. Today, as a certified Lymphoedema Therapist, he is committed to raising awareness and improving access to lymphoedema care in Bataan Province.

The Power of Paying It Forward

Adrian was active during Lymphoedema Awareness Month too, producing infographics to raise awareness in the Philippines.

Adrian’s story, and those of the scholars he has supported, demonstrate the immense impact that one opportunity can create. The LKN Foundation’s mission is not just about providing education—it’s about empowering practitioners to bring real change to their communities.

By supporting initiatives like the LKN Scholarship, donors can help expand access to lymphoedema care, improve patient outcomes, and create a lasting legacy of knowledge-sharing. Your contributions enable practitioners like Adrian, Lelette, April, and Vince to continue their vital work, proving that even small acts can lead to great things.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your support can help train more practitioners, provide essential supplies, and ensure that lymphoedema patients receive the care they deserve. Together, we can continue paying it forward and transforming lives.

Donate today and be a part of this incredible journey!