Career fire fighter, EMT and fitness enthusiast is our newest Juzo Champion
In honor of Lymphedema Awareness Month, we’re excited to introduce the newest member of the extended Juzo family, Dominique Rogers. After quietly living for lymphedema for more than a decade, he decided to share his story to help advocate for others. His story and motto, “Process to progress” is as inspiring as his fitness regime. Keep reading to get to know him a little better and welcome him in the comments below!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m 32 years old and from Hartford, CT. I have four brothers, one sister and 12 nieces and nephews. I’ve enjoy running on the track, photography and videography.
In the summer, I play flag football.
When were you diagnosed with lymphedema?
I was diagnosed with lymphedema in 2005, when I was 15. I was outside playing basketball and rolled my ankle. It started to swell. When I got home, my mom told me to elevate it and put ice on it. The next day, my whole leg was swollen. After a week in the hospital, I was diagnosed with lymphedema.
What are some misconceptions others have about lymphedema?
Many people think that lymphedema is a form of cancer.
Why is it important to raise awareness of this condition?
It’s important to raise awareness for lymphedema because many people don’t know they have the disease. People that do have the disease feel alone, sometimes, because others don’t understand what they are going through.
How are you able to live such an active lifestyle?
I’m able to live an active lifestyle due to my consistency in what works for me in maintaining my lymphedema. I wear my compression garment every day and go to therapy. Also, I get up early and workout. every day. I eat as healthy as I can by staying away from salty foods.
Who is your inspiration?
My mother Charlotte Rogers. She is the strongest women I know, full of joy and willing to help others, whenever they need it. She’s very giving and supportive of me and my siblings. My mom and I grew a deeper bond when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and later lymphedema. We had each other’s backs, maintaining the disease together. My mother and father are the reason on who I am today and why I will continue to motivate people, with or without the disease, to keep pushing forward.
Why did you get involved in the lymphedema advocacy community?
I got involved because I felt like it was time. I’ve been cruising along quietly with this disease for over a decade. I’ve been through a lot in my life and came out on the other side. I’ve gone from being in the hospital two times a year, due to an infection in my leg, to where I am now – a career fireman and an EMT. It was a Process to Progress, and I want to help others who are like me. If my story can help someone get through the day and realize they’re not alone and they can do anything they put their minds to…I would be happy with that.
What words of inspiration or motivation do you have for others with lymphedema?
Everything takes time. Everything is a process.
Learn more about Dominique and following his inspirational lifestyle at his new website: process2progress.com. Follow him on Instagram @theprocess2progress.
Be to follow us on Instagram, @JuzoCompression and Facebook to learn more about how Juzo supports the lymphedema community. Meet other Juzo Champions and find out more about lymphedema at Juzousa.com.