Every November, people from around the world work together to create awareness surrounding COPD, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and chronic lung disease. We share information and education about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. We also talk about the importance of early diagnosis and ways that you can advocate for lung health.
If you are reading this, that likely means that you or someone you love has been impacted by lung disease. We need YOU to help spread awareness! You may be asking “how can I help”? Well, that is a great question.
Over the years, we have seen our community using many creative methods of spreading COPD awareness. Last year, in 2023, someone even decorated their semi-truck for COPD awareness. Others hosted education days in their communities. While you may not be able to host an event, or decorate your car, there are many ways that you can help spread the word about COPD.
For the last several years, the COPD Foundation has held a Lace Up for Lungs campaign. Lace Up for Lungs started out as 30 days of movement/exercise in November but has grown into many activities that you can participate in to help spread awareness.
This year, the Foundation has set a goal of 1000 total activities! From Friday October 11th until the end of November, we will begin sending out a weekly email that will highlight lung health champions in our community and share opportunities for you to get involved in Lace Up for Lungs.
Here are some of the challenges you can take part in to count toward our goal:
- Light Up in Orange: Grab a string of orange lights (they should be easy to find since Halloween is coming up). You can light up your house or your car. You can even write a letter to your local government buildings to request that they light up in orange.
- Donate or Start a Fundraiser: Whether you make a donation, host an event, or find another way to participate, be sure to share the opportunity to give with others. You will be providing valuable support for research, education, and advocacy! If you are on social media, create a post sharing your story and asking others to help support. Donate today.
- Get Moving 30 Minutes a Day: Get those steps in! Every day in November. commit to get active in some way. Walk the dog, ride your bike, or lift arm weights while you watch TV. (A water bottle is great for this if you do not have weights) Every activity counts towards your 30 minutes a day. Will you be participating in the activity challenge? Join the Facebook group and get started.
- Inspire Community Involvement: Do you or someone you know have a podcast or a blog? Do you have a connection with your local tv station or newspaper? Ask them to talk about COPD awareness!
- Wear Orange on World COPD Day: World COPD Day is November 20! Create awareness for COPD by wearing orange. You can even invite your family, neighbors, and coworkers to join you. Take a picture of your orange outfit and share it on social media. We invite you to tag the COPD Foundation and use hashtags such as #WorldCOPDDay and #LaceUpForLungs.
- Share on Social Media: Your social network reaches further than you think! We will send you resources, images, sample posts, challenges, and more when you sign up to Lace Up for Lungs! Your story makes more of an impact than you think! Don’t forget to hashtag your posts with #LaceUpForLungs.
YOUR story makes a difference! On October 15 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, we are hosting a special online session to teach you how to film your lung health story right from the comfort of your own home.
We have partnered with Storyvine to teach you the basics of capturing your experiences on video. No fancy equipment needed. Just use your cellphone.
Share your story. YOU have the power to inspire others. Register to attend at copdf.co/storyvine-intro
These are just a few ways that you can participate in Lace Up for Lungs this year. Sign up today for the weekly email and stay informed about all of the fun ways you can help support COPD awareness. Check out our Lace Up for Lungs and COPD awareness pages.
Let’s chat! How are you going to participate in COPD awareness month?