Boise,
Idaho
As a respiratory therapist and the newest State Captain from Idaho, I hope to accomplish working with other Captains in the state in order to promote awareness about COPD and assist people with COPD increase their quality of life. I hope to promote the necessity of more educators (both with and without lung disease) in our state to be available for people with COPD.
As a COPD advocate, I have spoken to my family and friends about COPD, participated in health fairs or community events to promote COPD awareness and have sent a letter to my members of Congress about COPD. I have also signed up for COPD360Social.
As a State Captain, I am interested in raising awareness by participating in health fairs and community events, as well as connecting others in the COPD community to the resources available so they can live healthier, fuller lives. I would also like to write about COPD to share my story and help raise awareness.
My proudest COPD moment has been providing information to the community on World COPD Day in 2017. So many people stopped by to learn more about the disease and often returned with other. Many people with COPD asked questions and requested information to enhance their current plan. They also took notes in order to prepare to ask their physicians questions at their next office visit. It also gave respiratory therapy students the opportunity to teach and receive education from those living with COPD.
My inspiration to share is, “Be the best you by taking the best care of you.” (My personal quote and philosophy)
More about me, “I have been an RT for 10 years. I began my career in Detroit, then I moved to Chicago for a few years and I've been in Idaho since August of 2016. I often use games like Scrabble, Connect Four and UNO when educating my patients about COPD”