LITCHFIELD — Individuals diagnosed with lymphedema now have local experts to turn to at HSHS St. Francis Hospital. Members of the hospital’s physical therapy team became certified in complete decongestive therapy (CDT). This state-of-the-art treatment recommended by the International Society of Lymphology helps patients suffering from symptoms brought on by lymphedema.

Lymphedema is a condition resulting in the swelling of one or more limbs and often the corresponding quadrant of the trunk, face, neck and/or genitals, caused by the disruption of the lymphatic system. If untreated, swelling will worsen, the tissue can become harder and more painful, and there is an increased risk of infection.

“We are delighted to bring these treatment options to the Litchfield community,” said Blake McAfee, director of rehabilitation services at St. Francis Hospital. “Our therapists were trained by some of the top experts in the field and are ready to help those in our community with lymphedema benefit from this new treatment.”

CDT often includes two to four weeks of treatment and the independent use of compression garments at home. Key treatment components include:

• Manual lymph drainage
• Compression bandaging
• Skin care
• Exercise
• Compression garment fitting

With treatment adherence and use of compression garments, results may include:

• Maintained reduction of swelling
• Wound healing and reduced risk of infection
• Softened skin texture and improved skin health
• Improved quality of life through effective swelling control

Treatment is available at HSHS St. Francis Hospital with a referral from your physician. For more information on lymphedema treatment or any other type of therapy, please contact St. Francis Hospital Outpatient Therapy Services at 217-324-8780.

For more information about HSHS St. Francis Hospital, visit stfrancis-litchfield.org.

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Blackburn College has announced its Dean’s List for the spring 2022 semester. Students named to the Dean’s list must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. 

Area students include Mallory Beechler and Emalee Sorbie, both of Gillespie.

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only nine federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation fully managed by students.

John William Morris, 88 of Benld, passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021, with family by his side. He was born on November 4, 1932, to Thomas and Lillie (Chapman) Morris in DeWitt County. He married Marleen Pomatto on April 22, 1956, at the United Methodist Church in Gillespie and celebrated 65 years of marriage on April 22, 2021. 

John was a sergeant in the Army in the Korean War from 1951-1953, worked 46 years for the phone company, served 36 years on the Benld Fire Department, was a member of the Staunton VFW, and former member of the Benld Italian American Club. He went on the Honor Flight on April 11, 2017, accompanied by his daughter, Brenda. John enjoyed trips to Branson with 630th Engineers Army Buddies. He loved fishing, dancing, spending time with his family and friends but most of all he loved doing things for others. He never knew a stranger. 

He is survived by his wife, Marleen; four children, Gary (Mary Ann) Morris of Alton, Carolyn (Bill) Rice of Bunker Hill, Brenda (Steve) Subick of Mt. Olive, and Keith (Amanda) Morris of Edwardsville; 13 grandchildren, Debra (Bryon) Downing, Steven Jr. (Elizabeth) Subick both of Troy, Mitchel (Aracely) Morris of Chicago, Nicholas (Sjanna) Subick of Cape Coral, FL, David Morris of Alton, Robert Rice of Mt. Olive, Danielle Morris of Nokomis, Kevin (Kristen) Morris of House Springs, MO, Sarah (Brian) O’Connor of Galesburg, Ryan (Nicole) Subick of Loveland, CO, Brian Morris of Godfrey, Emily (Tyler) Shewmake of Alton, and Troy Morris of China; 17 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; two brothers; two sisters and several nieces and nephews. 

John was preceded in death by his parents; granddaughter, Susan Rice of Bunker Hill; in-laws, Martin and Mary Pomatto of Wilsonville; and two brothers and five sisters. 

Friends may call on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Memorial services will be on Saturday, April 21, 2021, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie at 12:00 p.m. 

The family requested that masks be worn if you haven’t been vaccinated.  Memorials are suggested to Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service, HSHS Hospice or The Honors Flight. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.

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