Masonville,
New York
As a State Captain for New York, I would like to accomplish spreading awareness about COPD and helping to prevent unnecessary Emergency Department visits and unnecessary doctor visits in collaboration with DSRIP group Care Compass.
As a COPD advocate and respiratory therapist, I have facilitated two Breathing Better Support Groups, I have participated in health fairs or community events to promote COPD awareness and I have signed up for COPD360Social. I have also emailed, called, and have met with my elected officials.
As a State Captain, I am interested in collaborating with DSRIP group to more effectively mentor COPD patients, recruit new State Captains and volunteers, and participate in research opportunities to help find a cure. I would also like to connect others in the COPD community to the resources available so they can live healthier, fuller lives, and work with state, local, and national officials to improve COPD policy.
My proudest COPD moment has been saving a patient whose trachea had calcified and having to use metal tongs to cut through the boney trachea surface to save his life at 3:00AM.
My inspiration to share is, "Never doubt the ability of a few concerned citizens to change the world, in fact, it's the only thing that ever has." -Margaret Mead