By Dellaray Hileman
A Christmas wish came true this year in Jerseyville when Brian and Becky Matthews, Owners of Big Boy Donuts donated $1,000 in the name of Melvin Osburn to The Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA).
Osburn is a Lyphedema Patient Advocate and a regular at Big Boy Donuts in Jerseyville. Walking into the donut shop one morning Osburn was greeted by Becky stating that “Brian wants me to write you a check”.
Osburn Explained that the amount of generosity was completely unexpected, but greatly appreciated. He said that since the Matthews have owned Big Boy Donuts they have continuously given back to the community and he wants to make sure they are recognized for that.
Becky said, “Helping the community is just our nature.”
They were drawn to Osburn’s cause of LTA. “It would be a really good thing for it to pass because people need that kind of help.” Becky said, “Melvin has been coming in since we opened, and he hosts his lymphedema meetings here”.
It is estimated that three to five million people in America have lymphedema. Because of lack of awareness, lack of information, and lack of education (even in the medical field), lymphedema is usually diagnosed incorrectly or not diagnosed at all. A delay in diagnosis or treatment can lead to quick and unmonitored progression of the disease.
Osburn aims to educate anyone who has questions about Lymphedema. In the past he has helped people across America find doctors who specialize in treatment.
Osburn indicated that the donation from the Matthews could make a huge difference in the efforts to get the LTA passed.
