Fort Payne,
Alabama
As a former caregiver, current healthcare professional, and the first State Captain for Alabama, my goal is to establish county level committees to drive awareness and participation in COPD Foundation initiatives.
As a COPD advocate, my efforts to bring awareness to COPD and the causes of COPD have presented many opportunities to discuss this disease through many avenues, including print media, electronic media, and live events, such as community events and health fairs.
As a State Captain, I am interested in connecting others in the COPD community to available resources so they can live healthier, fuller lives. I will continue to raise awareness by participating in community events and recruiting new State Captains and volunteers. I will also continue to write about COPD and work with state, local, and national officials to improve COPD policy.
My most impactful COPD moment was caring for my mother, diagnosed with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, who died of complications associated with COPD at the early age of 48 years.
My Personal Focus Statement: There are many challenges in life. Breathing shouldn’t be a one, so we’ll continue the fight for a cure—one breath and one step at a time.