My Journey Through Lymphedema: From Despair to Empowerment

"Dr. Torri Anthony"

I never thought lymphedema would become part of my story. I never imagined my life would shift from vibrant health to immobility, despair, and pain. But I also never imagined how God would use that same story to rebuild me — stronger, healthier, and more determined to help others rise.

My Journey Through Lymphedema: From Despair to Empowerment

In October 2016, life was thriving for me. I had just celebrated a decade of marriage, and everything seemed perfect. I enjoyed a fulfilling job, had a loving wife, two wonderful children, a dog, and a comfortable home, while my church community was flourishing. However, unbeknownst to me, a condition called lymphedema had been silently developing in my body for years.

After my wife, Varrietta, and I renewed our vows on October 16, 2016, we took a brief trip. Anyone who knows me understands my passion for water and hot tubs. I spent over an hour in the hot tub, blissfully unaware that I was about to embark on a challenging journey. The trip was rejuvenating, and upon returning home that Monday, I sat down for dinner with my family — something we cherish as a family tradition. As I stood up to leave the table, I suddenly lost feeling in my legs. Varrietta asked if I wanted to go to the hospital, but I opted to wait until the morning.

When morning arrived and I still had no sensation in my legs, I went to the hospital. Until that day, I had never spent time in a hospital, but I was soon admitted — marking the beginning of what I consider a God-given journey. Looking back over the past eight years, it feels like I have been on an assignment, facing some of the toughest challenges of my life. With lymphedema being relatively unknown in the African-American community, I was completely unprepared for what lay ahead.

I had never been a small person, but my weight skyrocketed from 350 to 613 pounds within months, leading to a rapid decline in my health. My mobility diminished to the point where I required a wheelchair; simple tasks like walking from room to room or using the bathroom became impossible without assistance from my wife and children. There were instances when I had to check into a hotel just to access a walk-in shower. I reached a dark point, feeling like I no longer wanted to live. While I maintained a façade of happiness, deep inside I was waiting for the right moment to end it all.

Throughout this struggle, my family encouraged me to attend church, and just when I could no longer stand to preach, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, transitioning everything to a virtual format. This allowed me to preach from my chair, but my health continued to deteriorate. In the midst of the pandemic, my doctor suggested exploring weight loss surgery. Though terrified, I recognized it was a matter of life or death. Despite my previous thoughts of despair, I found a renewed will to live and committed to the necessary preparations for surgery.

During my hospital stay, I was alone with only God for support. I promised that if He guided me through the surgery, I would become a living testament for Him in any capacity He wished. Little did I know that this surgery would lead me on an entirely new path, for which I am profoundly grateful. God has restored, revitalized, and empowered me, and I am healthier than ever before.

Now, I have the opportunity to share my story and assist others in leading healthier lives. I refuse to reclaim what the devil took from me; instead, I embrace the new life that God has granted me and strive to help others recognize that they too can change their lives. I never anticipated spending two hours at the gym four to five times a week — something my doctor once claimed would be impossible for me. Yet, by placing my trust in God, I now find myself in a position where that same doctor invites me to inspire her patients with hope.

I am now 40 pounds away from my goal weight of 194 pounds. I am loving life and looking forward with faith and excitement to what God has next!

Closing Quote

“What the enemy meant for evil, God turned for good.” — Genesis 50:20

Overseer Dr. Anthony Torri is a pastor, husband, father, and community leader whose life embodies resilience and faith. After an eight-year battle with lymphedema, he has emerged as a passionate advocate for health, healing, and empowerment. When he’s not preaching or spending time with his family, you can find him in the gym inspiring others to embrace their own journey toward wholeness.

 empowermentdr75@gmail.com