Lympha Press created the Lipedema Patient Roundtables to support lipedema patients. The power of this community was never more evident than at the March 19th Roundtable.
Just days before, the lipedema world was shocked by the sudden passing of Pattie Cornute, founder of Lipedema Fitness and one of the original anchors of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable. In light of this great loss, the hour was spent in loving memory of Pattie.
The healing hour was spent sharing her wisdom, remembering her fiercely protective yet loving spirit, and honoring the way she navigated her life and uplifted her community. Special guest Karen Ashforth opened and closed with a grounding meditation, and April Sluder and Molly Gallagher, who worked closely with Pattie, shared the importance of feeling our feelings – and listening to our bodies when something feels “off.”
Each anchor panelist offered their unique perspective on Pattie’s legacy, as the live chat filled with messages of love and comfort. From her bright red lipstick, her love for working out to music, her incredible fashion sense and Halloween costumes, to the art she created, Pattie wasn’t defined by lipedema. And all who knew her are better for the experience.
Tears flowed as Angelique Charles sang “Amazing Grace.” Moderator Brenda Viola shared a message a friend sent to comfort her when learning of Pattie’s death: “Grief, in its rawest form, is proof that we have loved; that we have invested our hearts into something meaningful. We grieve because something mattered. And while that pain can feel unbearable, it carries within it a quiet truth: we would not feel such loss if we had not first experienced deep connection. That very connection, even in its absence reminds us that life is rich with meaning.”
True connection. That’s the power of the Lipedema Patient Roundtable, sponsored by Lympha Press.
Thank you to all who showed up to honor Pattie, and especially:
- Karen Ashforth, MS, OTR/L, CLT-LANA (@karenashforth_cltlana)
- Jenny Beaujean (@Jenny_beaujean)
- Siouxie Boshoff (@lipedema.living)
- Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly)
- Cara Cruz (@PaleGingerPear)
- Molly Gallagher (@unstoppablemolly)
- Linda Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn)
- April Sluder (@thelipedemajourney)
- Brenda Viola (@BrendaViola_ViciCommunications)
This Roundtable was originally recorded live on March 19, 2025.