In August 2011, Rose Gauza celebrated a special milestone in her life. “I went back to teaching fourth grade after spending one year out of work due to complications of lymphedema,” explains Ms. Gauza. Lymphedema causes fluid to build up in the arms or legs, triggering severe swelling. “I was deathly ill with swelling, open wounds and morbid obesity,” she says. “My legs were filled with lymphatic fluid. Mobility was painful, nearly impossible. I felt hopeless.”