A Look at COPD from a Child's Eye

We are all aware of the impact COPD has on the patient- the shortness of breath, fatigue, exacerbations, social isolation, and daily struggles are ever-present. But how does COPD affect those who bear witness to their loved one’s hardship? What are some of the challenges that caregivers, friends, and families experience? 300 million individuals live with COPD worldwide, but millions more lives are touched in one way or another by the disease.

The COPD Foundation worked with storytelling agency Make Believe UK and Novartis to create an new animated short called, “A Child’s Eye” to give viewers a glimpse into life with COPD from a loved one’s perspective. The story follows a young child in who slowly comes to grips with the reality of his grandfather’s COPD diagnosis. Activities they once enjoyed were no longer shared, with every missed event marked by a note from his grandfather wishing he were there. The story takes a positive turn when the child’s grandfather receives the education, community support, and treatment he needs. COPD is not a death sentence- early diagnosis, pulmonary rehabilitation, education, and support are all factors that can lend a new lease on life.

Watch the video here: