South Chesterfield,
Virginia
As respiratory therapist and the newest State Captain from Virginia, I hope to be able to work with others who share the passion of promoting COPD awareness. I would like to also make the younger generation aware of the impact smoking has not only on them, but those around them.
As a COPD advocate, I have participated in health fairs or community events to promote COPD awareness, spoken to my family and friends about COPD, and I have sent a letter to my members of Congress about COPD. I have also hosted a COPD fundraiser such as a Breathe Strong Rally and am a member of a support group.
As a State Captain, I hope to connect others in the COPD community to the resources available so they can live healthier, fuller lives, and raise awareness by participating in health fairs and community events. I would also like to write about COPD to share my story and help raise awareness, and participate and promote research opportunities to help find a cure.
My proudest COPD moment was with my mother, a COPD patient, who referred to me as "my breath, without her I would not be here today".
My inspiration to share is, "You either have to a part of the solution, or you are going to be part of the problem" Eldridge Cleaver.
More about me, “I was diagnosed as a child with Asthma and lived in a household where both parents smoked. I originally graduated as a secondary school teacher but became a Respiratory Therapist when my youngest child was diagnosed with Asthma at age 2 following several trips to the local ER. I then returned to school and have been a therapist now for close to 30 years. Currently I work in a rehabilitation hospital where I oversee the Pulmonary Rehab program comprised mainly of COPD patients. My main job is to educate all pulmonary patients and families on what COPD or their particular disease is and how to take care of themselves”.