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.


Susan Bance

Susan Bance Profile Photo New Richmond, WI


Hi, my name is Susan.

I was diagnosed with COPD in 2008. At that time, I had no symptoms. In 2017 I was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer and had a lobectomy to my upper right lung. I am cancer free since the lobectomy. Because of this, my COPD progressed, and I now am on medications but not on oxygen. I see a pulmonologist on a regular basis.

When I was told I had COPD, no one gave me any information as to what resources were available. This was also the case after my cancer surgery, even though my COPD was more advanced. I came across Better Breathers after my surgery in respiratory therapy. Since I joined Better Breathers, I have learned so much! I found the COPD Foundation and I was able to learn of all the remarkable work they do for us, their dedication to our health, and the advocacy work they are responsible for.

I want to be a part of this amazing group and bring awareness to others who have no idea about what COPD is or its effects on those who have it. I want to advocate wherever I am needed in any way I can. I am proud to represent this group.

 



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!