Tell us a little about yourself.
I'm Keelie, and I'm 26 years old. I live in the Pacific Northwest, and am a lover of volleyball! I played Division One volleyball at Arizona State University. To this day, I stay involved by coaching and playing in local recreational leagues. I also love to paddleboard, hike, travel and paint. I have two cats, who are my world, named Winnie and Gigi.
How did you learn you had lipedema?
I first was diagnosed with lipedema at age 24, so not too long ago. My legs and all of the symptoms I experienced had been something I paid attention to for nearly a decade, especially with all of the weight lifting and training I did for volleyball. I was always bothered by my legs, not only for what they looked like, but also for how heavy, swollen and bruised they always were. Finally at age 24, through research that came about only because my symptoms seemed to be getting way worse, I found the word lipedema. It seemed to match everything I'd been going through. I brought that information to my doctor, who luckily knew about lipedema, and she diagnosed me after a physical exam.
What does your treatment plan include?
In November 2025, I flew to Spain and had lower leg lipedema surgery. In a few months, July 2026, I will be going back for my arms. Surgery has been absolutely life changing, but the treatment plan doesn't stop there. I have been religiously wearing compression daily ever since surgery and will continue to do so, because it makes such a huge difference. I have also tailored my diet and workout routine to manage stress and inflammation better, lifting only four days a week versus the six days I used to do and limiting gluten, sugar and dairy. I get massages, both lymphatic and deep tissue, to keep my body feeling great.
What Juzo products do you wear and how do they help you?
I have worn both Juzo graduated compression and the Juzo Expert custom made flat knit compression garments. I have not needed to try any other brand. Juzo has been incredible in helping keep my swelling down and making surgery recovery that much easier. I notice such a difference each day wearing my Juzo compression. My legs feel lighter and pain free.
What is something you wished you'd known sooner about compression?
I wish I knew sooner just how much compression garments can take away swelling and pain when worn continuously. It was always a really daunting concept, hearing I needed to wear compression all day, every day. However, now having built the habit, I can see the major benefits and feel the difference. For anyone with lipedema who understands the aches and pains that come from it, compression is truly a game changer.
What motivates you to persist, despite the complications you face from lipedema?
For me, I have a passion to live life to the fullest, knowing life is short. I have never wanted to let any condition or obstacle slow me down, and a lipedema diagnosis was no different. I'm motivated by knowing that even before I was diagnosed, and had no idea what was actually wrong with me, I still persisted and chased dreams of high-level college athletics. That shows that with this condition we can still do great things and achieve what we want. Armed with a diagnosis and more knowledge now, it feels like the sky is truly the limit.
Why do you advocate for awareness of lipedema and compression?
I want to advocate for awareness of lipedema and compression because so many women across the world are impacted by this, and so many women spend decades of their life not having answers. That was me for one decade, so I can only imagine those women that are older than me who have waited a much longer time to fully understand what's going on in their bodies. When compression can make such a major difference to a condition that causes so much pain, both physically and mentally, I want to shout it from the rooftops and help any woman I can. There truly is community in this shared life experience, and we owe it to each other and every other woman out there who doesn't have an answer, yet, to hold out our hands and voices for them.
What advice do you have for those recently diagnosed with lipedema?
For anyone recently diagnosed, feeling disheartened is extremely normal. My first advice is to take time for yourself, off of social media, and really process. It can be overwhelming to see all of the content online, especially right after a diagnosis, and feel confused as to where to start. After taking time to accept the diagnosis, I think a great place to start is the Lipedema Foundation Website, as well as looking into the Lipedema Summit, which airs virtually in June. There are so many doctors and speakers featured, that would be a great way to continue gathering information. Finally, outside of that, my advice is to seek community online. When I made my Instagram, I never imagined the countless women I would build connections with online and chat with to this day, some having even met in person. It makes you feel so much less alone.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Thank you to Juzo for making such wonderful compression garments.
To ladies with lipedema, if there's only one change you can make today to start managing lipedema, it should be ordering a pair of compression and wearing them, even if only for a few hours at a time to start. Your legs will thank you.
Follow Keelie on Instagram @keetolipedema to see how she keeps pushing the limits!
Get to know our other Juzo Champions on juzousa.com and connect with them on social! Follow us on Instagram, @JuzoCompression and Facebook to find inspiration from others, like Keelie.