Temple,
Texas
As a State Captain for Texas, and patient advocate, I hope to accomplish being able to reach out to others and share with them that COPD is not the end of their world. That there is life after being diagnosed. The simple fact of raising awareness among others and giving a direction to those in need. To those that are diagnosed who are often left to fend for themselves offering a place and directions can change their life.
As a COPD advocate I have signed up for COPD360Social, I have spoken with my family and friends about COPD, am a member of a support group, and I have participated in COPD research opportunities such as the COPD PPRN.
As a State Captain I hope to connect others in the COPD community to the resources available so they can live healthier, fuller lives, as well as write about COPD to share my story and help raise awareness. I would also like to working with state, local, and national officials to improve COPD policy and participate and promote research opportunities to help find a cure.
My proudest COPD moment was the first time I talked to a friend who had been just diagnosed. He had just come out of the doctor’s office looking shell shocked. He was told that he had COPD and that there was no cure. That was about all that he was told and that he had a prescription for a rescue inhaler. After talking with him I was able to share with him all I knew about COPD and was able to talk him into go to a pulmonary doctor to be tested. I gave him questions to ask and places to look for answers. Know that he was not alone helped him more than anything.
My inspiration to share is, “This is true in relation to helping others, as well as himself. Those who have suffered themselves are the better prepared to sympathise with and help their fellow-creatures that suffer” (H. M. Gallaher, D.D.)