Meet Your COPD Foundation Captains!

COPD Foundation Captains are volunteers with COPD, caregivers, friends and family members or healthcare providers who use their contacts and talents and partner with the COPD Foundation to serve as state and community leaders.

Captains promote the importance of becoming a part of the COPD community. They work to spread COPD awareness in their state and local areas, mentor fellow COPD community members, and participate in online and in-person grassroots advocacy and community building activities focused on health policy issues that are important to those who have COPD. If you are interested in joining our group of volunteers, click here.

If you'd like to speak with a COPD Foundation Captain directly, please email statecaptains@copdfoundation.org and we will connect you with the Captain in your area of interest.


George Schroeher

George Schroeher Profile Photo Poulsbo, Washington


As the newest State Captain for Washington, I hope to accomplish being able to share what knowledge and positive results I am experiencing with cardiopulmonary rehab. I do know this is not available to everyone (so sad). I want to figure out a delicate way to promote rehab without sounding boastful or bragging. I am so blessed.

As a COPD advocate, I have participated in COPD research opportunities such as the COPD PPRN, am a member of a support group, and have signed up for 360social. I have also spoken to my family and friends about COPD.

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 to participate and promote research opportunities to help find a cure. I would also like to raise awareness by participating in health fairs and community events, and write about COPD to share my story and help raise awareness.

My proudest COPD moment has been on my 65th birthday. 2016 was a terrible year for me. Every 2 mos I was hospitalized with pneumonia. The last was Dec 5-10,2016. The 10th was my B-Day. Getting out of the hospital I made up my mind to revamp my life. Complete diet change, exercise (rehab), and sanitizing everything I came in contact with.

My inspiration to share is, “Slow down, take it one day at a time."

 



COPD Foundation State Captain Program Informational Video

The COPD Foundation is looking for new State Captains to join our community to be champions for promoting COPD awareness, improving quality of life for those with COPD, to participate in research opportunities, policy, and much more. Email statecaptains@copdfoundation.org for questions and to start the onboarding process today!