A trip to Walmart changed a young woman's life forever
by Tammy Sweed

H.O.P.E. praises and Angel of HOPE - Barbara Smith. Because of Barbara the word "lymphedema" is spreading! She was shopping in Walmart one evening with her arm all bandaged from her fingers to shoulder. A woman approached her and asked her what was wrong with her arm. Barbara replied "I have lymphedema." Then she began to educate this woman about her condition and about how therapy at H.O.P.E. was helping her. The woman was asking because she thought that might be what her daughter had in her legs. Because Barbara took the time to share information and even went to her car for our phone number, we were are now working with this woman's daughter.

I would like to recognize the precious people that are a part of keeping H.O.P.E. alive and growing: First I'd like to recognize Janis King our insurance billing expert. Janis started with my one-woman operation in January 2002. She had no idea what lymphedema was. I taught her about lymphedema and she taught me about insurance. Together we slowly conquered insurance issues that were in the past very difficult. With a lot of time, energy and education of the insurance companies, today we now becoming more and more recognized by insurance companies. She persevered through tons of paperwork, phone calls and faxes. She is adamant to make the insurance companies aware of what lymphedema was and why it should be a covered expense. She's a fighter for the people - I'm glad to have her on my side! Janis was not only good at insurance but also at office and marketing skills. So needless to say the word got out even more as shown by the increase in clients that we help.

Next, I would like to recognize Linda England, a registered nurse with a BSA and a Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist. Linda started with H.O.P.E. In April 2002. She was an answer to my prayers. As clientele increased and H.O.P.E. was broadening its horizon, Linda was there for the next phase. She has been a loyal part of H.O.P.E. for almost 2 years now and she has been dependable and faithful to us the whole time. With her nursing background, she has taught me a lot about the medical side of the world. She has been great to work with - I especially like the fact that she prefers the morning sessions and I prefer late morning. So she spares me challenge of taking early appointments. Thank you Linda!

Janice Stanford, our Administrative Assistant, started with H.O.P.E. in September of 2003. Janice says her job is “to do everything that Tammy doesn’t.” Janice and I work well together, she keeps me straight and focused (not an easy task) and is always one step ahead of all of us. I am so impressed with the way she has transformed the office. She has amazing organizational skills and keeps the office streamlined. She just jumped right in there and has been extremely conscious of making sure everyone is taken care of. She loves people and people love her. I'm sure you will recognize her when you call - she'll be the one that's "always happy." Her enthusiasm is most appreciated. We have others who play an important role in the function of creating H.O.P.E. and we are fortunate to have Linda Bradford and Michelle Hansen.

Linda Bradford has generously offered her time to help market hope. She has been educating the doctors and nurses wherever she goes. She has joined the American Women's Business Association to increase awareness of our center. Linda has a gift for explaining what we do and why it is so important. She is my networking buddy. I am very grateful to have Linda in my life. Linda has come a long way herself, over the past several years and she just keeps giving to others. Linda you're amazing!

Michelle has introduced a side of the business that needed updated. The books. We have improved the process. Michelle is fun to work with, although she prefers to hit the books early a.m. and I don't. So she bribes me with Starbucks and scones. A girl after my own heart. Michelle makes working with numbers make more sense now. Proof that there is always hope to do things you thought you could never do. Thank you Michelle!

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