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St. Francis Hospital adds lymphedema treatment to comprehensive list of therapy services
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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Robert J. Polo, 86 of Gillespie, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 1:38 pm. He was born on February 27, 1939, in Gillespie to Joseph Polo and Ann Jatcko Polo.
He married Judith Ann Bomkamp Polo on November 16, 1963, in Litchfield. He was retired after having been a lifelong farmer and a steelworker in Granite City. Robert was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was involved with the Farm Bureau and the Elks in Mesa, AZ.
He is survived by his spouse, Judy Polo of Gillespie; children, Kathy (Rick) Fey of Staunton, Mike (Lisa) Polo of Bunker Hill, and Brad (David) Polo of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Redfern, Brittany (Mitch) Pollard, and Joseph (Elisabeth) Polo; five great grandchildren; and siblings, Kenneth (Virginia) Polo of Granite City and Judy J. Polo of Glen Carbon.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents.
Friends may call on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at SS Simon & Jude Church, Gillespie from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. A funeral mass will follow at the church on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at 11:00 am.
Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie. Memorials are suggested to SS Simon & Jude Church. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Gale Patricia “Pat” Brown, 88 of Gillespie, died at her residence on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 12:18 pm. She was born on April 7, 1937, in Gillespie to George Cooper and Evona Owens Cooper.
She married Jene “Beaver” Brown on December 17, 1955, in Staunton. He preceded her in death on November 25, 2018. She worked as a sales clerk for Bells Fashions in Carlinville. Pat was an avid sports fan especially of the St Louis Cardinals. She enjoyed scrapbooking, taking pictures of her grandkids and watching her grandkids play sports.
She is survived by her daughters, their husbands, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, spouse and her siblings.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 3, 2025 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie.
Memorials are suggested to GHS Athletics. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Byron Gene Land, 92 of Litchfield, passed away peacefully Friday, September 26, 2025. He was born in Raymond, IL, on May 23, 1933, a son of Ebert and Margaret V. (Masters) Land.
He was a member of the Raymond High School class of 1950. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Byron and the former Wanda Mae McGlothlin were married at Raymond United Methodist Church on January 27, 1952. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage until Wanda’s passing August 24, 2017.
Byron was employed in plant operations for 42 years with Litchfield Creamery-Milnot. His number one priority was spending time with his family. Byron was a member of Community of Faith Church in Raymond. He and his wife, Wanda, were avid square dancers and members of the Calico Twirlers. He enjoyed deer hunting, camping, traveling the country, and attending music festivals in Mountain View, AR.
Byron is survived by two sons, Marshall Land and Mark (Laura) Land, both of Litchfield; daughter, Barb (John) Swain of Litchfield; 10 grandchildren, Kelley (Becky) Hatlee, April (Joshua) Mix, Tish Lewey, Brittani Cunningham, Marlee (Matt) Stoneburner, Kurt Land, Melanie (Ryan) Hicks, Tracie (Gabe) Murphy, Austin Land, and Hayley Land; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Byron was preceded in death by his parents, Ebert and Margaret Land; wife, Wanda Land; and brothers, Bert Land and Roger Land.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Rev. Lorna Blackford of Community of Faith Church in Raymond will officiate. Burial will be in Elm Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Community of Faith Church or Raymond-Harvel Volunteer Fire Department. Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the Land family.
