Jimmy’s story: I am not my COPD because I choose to live. I am a somebody who makes a difference in our world every day. I am living proof that you can live comfortably with COPD. I have emphysema, by emphysema doesn’t have me!

Donnita C.: I am a busy single mom who stays involved in my teenage son’s basketball, soccer, baseball and golf. I love to cook, garden, and make others laugh. I enjoy the snow, the outdoors, fishing and riding motorcycles. I am the one driving down the road with the radio blasting and singing like a rock star!

Ken W.: I am a soon-to-be retired guy living with severe COPD, but that does not stop me from living my life. I exercise every day and take motorcycle and car road trips all over the USA. I am a nature photographer, reader, cross stitcher and enjoy watching sports and an occasional glass of good red wine!

Debbie G.: I have the support of my loving family, and I continually work on educating myself to learn to live better with this disease. Life looks good.

Cheryl L.: I am a wife, mother, nurse and dog lover. I enjoy comedy and perform whenever I can. Although I don’t look like it, my COPD is very severe, but it won’t hold me down! I live one day at a time with a positive attitude and smile on my face.

Eric B.: I enjoy being close to nature by hiking, camping, and walking. I spend time advocating and educating those affected by COPD and Alpha-1. I have three boys, a mother, and my sister who carry this gene as well, since my COPD is genetic. I am also a writer and musician.

Linda R.: I have COPD but my COPD does not have me! I define who I am, not the disease, but me! COPD challenges me everyday; everyday I have to challenge back! I am a fighter! Somedays are better than others, but I am in this for long haul!

Sandra Connery: I spend my days advocating for others by sharing the life lessons I have learned. Since being diagnosed with COPD, I only hope to make a difference in other people’s lives, so that they do not give up hope. My children and grandchildren are my joy and that’s what keeps me going.

Kim Micohn: My name is Kim, and I am happily married to my husband, Larry. I enjoy the outdoors and love walking when I can. My husband and I have 6 children and 6 grandchildren between the both of us. Life is good.

Karen D.: I am a wife, mother and grandmother. I volunteer for the COPD Foundation, the American Lung Association, and my county’s Tobacco-Free program to help educate youth on the dangers of tobacco use and other COPD patients on how to live well with their COPD. I enjoy cruising with my husband and spending time with our family.

Neva: I have COPD/Alpha-1. It affects my life. So what? A lot of things can affect your life. I try to stay positive. I’m going to Pulmonary Rehab and exercising at home because it makes me feel better and breathe better. It energizes me to enjoy my life and help others. Isn’t that what’s it’s all about?

Rick C.: I have COPD, but still go to the gym to continue my success for better breathing. For a long time, COPD ruled me, but now I rule it by raising awareness and trying to help others.

I have COPD, and I deal with it the best that I can. When the weather changes rapidly is when I have my worst days. Living in the Midwest where the climate is cold makes it tough, especially during the winter months. I will survive and keep living my life 🙂

Linda R.: I have had experienced many ups and downs in my lifetime. Being diagnosed with COPD is just another one. I choose to stay positive, and I believe this is just another hurdle in life that I will get past. I know I can do it.

Jim: I have always lived a healthy, clean lifestyle, so being diagnosed with COPD 2 years ago came as a major shock to me. Luckily, I have the support of an amazing family. I’m surrounded by my 3 children and beautiful granddaughter. They give me hope and inspiration to stay positive through this journey.

Charles S.: After smoking for 35 years, I was diagnosed with COPD emphysema. When I found out, I was upset and scared for my life. Luckily, I have the support of my loving family who inspire me to live each day as if it were my last.

Frank S.: I was diagnosed with COPD in 2008 and am currently on oxygen treatment each day. My father and 3 of his relatives all died from COPD in their 60’s. I try to live my life to its fullest each day, so my family doesn’t have to slow down because of me.

Pete R.: As a former Marine, I served in Vietnam and was combat wounded twice. As a Marine, I learned courage, dedication & determination which has helped to not allow my COPD to define me. Through my faith in God, hope and the love of my wife and family, every day is a true blessing. Blessings and strength to you all.

Nancy: I am nancy and I am a wife, mother of 4, and grandma of 6. I love to walk, swim, and go to the beach. I love walking laps in the mall.

Don: I’m 70 yrs. old. I have oxygen that I need daily. Breathing is difficult. I ask myself why I ever smoked. I read the warning label on the pack of cigarettes but I guess you can’t fix stupid! My family is very supportive! Never give up hope!.

James H.: I am a 51 year young man with COPD. I love outdoors and driving my truck.

I am a wife, mother, nurse and dog lover. I enjoy comedy and perform whenever I can. Although I don’t look like it, my COPD is very severe, but it won’t hold me down! I live one day at a time with a positive attitude and smile on my face.

Royce B.: I have been in pulmonary rehab three times a week for the past six months. I use oxygen for walking, exercising & sleeping. I usually don’t need it indoors. I only have 18% lung capacity but I don’t let that stop me (most of the time).

I have COPD, but it doesn’t have me. I’ve actually had it since 2001 and have been on oxygen 24/7 since 2002. However, I still get around very well and attend pulmonary rehab twice a week. I love hanging with my gang (my pets). I am on a mission to get people to quit smoking.

Tina: My name is Tina Moyer and after smoking an average of 2 packs of cigarettes a day for over 30 years, I quit smoking in 2009 alongside my son. At the age of 45, in February 2010, I was diagnosed with COPD Emphysema.

Kandy B.: I have COPD, and I’m a great COPD advocate. I try to live the best that I can with this disease. I go to pulmonary rehab three times a week to try to keep my lungs and body healthy.

Michael C.: I have COPD but it hasn’t got the best of me yet.

Linda: I am a person who enjoys travel, genealogy and singing karaoke with my friends.

Cheryl H.: I love golf, and although my golf score might suffer due to my COPD, my cart driving skills have only gotten better. My hubby tells me there is not a better scorekeeper anywhere! You just can’t lose on a golf course! Shush, now and hand me that putter!

Bunny: I have COPD, but it doesn’t have me. I’ve actually had it since 2001 and have been on oxygen 24/7 since 2002. However, I still get around very well and attend pulmonary rehab twice a week. I love hanging with my gang (my pets). I am on a mission to get people to quit smoking.

Jennifer H.: I am an earthy, fun loving life kind of gal. I love all 6 of my grandchildren and NASCAR.

David P.: I am a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle and a brother to an amazing family that stands beside me through the good and bad. My wife and I enjoy the outdoors, our children, and grandkids as often as we can.

Tammy S.: I am a wife, mother and grandmother with a lot of love to give. I love to camp with my family, go on walks, go fishing, swim, play with my granddaughter, go on trips and enjoy time with family and friends. I also help spread Organ Donation Awareness in my community.

Sheril C.: I’m a mother of 4 and grandmother of 9 grandchildren. I love my grandkids and want to spend the rest of my life watching them live and enjoying my family.

Bill D.: I am a retired truck driver, not by choice, but due to COPD. I was diagnosed in 2009, and I went on oxygen in 2010. I use two inhalers and an emergency inhaler. I enjoy the outdoors and walk around the woods and shooting photography of nature and wildlife. COPD hasn’t stopped me from that, I put on my oxygen, and I am good to go.

Russell W.: I am a Triathlete who likes to show the world that COPD doesn’t control my life. My lung capacity varies between 22-30%, but I just completed my 3rd Ironman event which included a 3.8k swim, 180k bike ride & a 42.2k run. I love my life and love challenges, and that’s what drives me to be active despite COPD.

Tami S.: I have severe COPD…. I would be lost without my husband, Jim, who supports and encourages me daily. I do have my bad days, but I have accepted this disease and have this attitude: “I WILL WIN”. I so enjoy life! 🙂

Betty: I was diagnosed in 1994 with COPD and a FEV1 of 42%. Through exercising, walking, participating in pulmonary rehab, and eating healthy, I have maintained a great quality of life. Being active is the secret to dealing with COPD. Keep your body “Energy Efficient”!

Richard G.: I have COPD, but so what? I have people to see and places to go. I think, I see, I hear, I feel, I love, I care, I walk, I drive, I talk, I still breathe. I am a father, a grandfather, a domestic partner, a friend, an eager writer. Life is so precious, so fragile. I greet with gratitude every day.

Better Breathers, We are lifelong rehab mates. We take our rehab serious. We are active outside of class by helping with the filming of an in-house documentary, supporting cancer by walking a one mile “fun walk”, presenting a local business that support COPD and we are always looking for opportunities to spotlight COPD.

Louanne H.: I’m a mom to 3 Children, and a mimi to 6 grandchildren. I have many interests from Historical Organizations ( DAR DRT Daughters of 1812 ) theatre, reading, antique shopping, travel music, sporting events, outdoors, concerts and enjoying family and friends at various functions. Tagline : I am an Advocate

I love playing Bingo, reading for relaxation, and being involved and dedicated to my church.

Peggy P.: I am retired. When I was diagnosed with COPD in 2001, I quit smoking and started to go to the gym. I am now on oxygen 24/7 and take Spiriva and Breo. I walk with my dogs and goats, and I hike small hills to stay active. I like to float the salmon river when it is calm. I am not going to give up and quit.

Charline D.: Hello, my name is Charline. I was diagnosed with COPD in 2004. I have 13 grandchildren and 9 great grandkids. I love to cook, bake and go fishing. I am very active at my church, I have a small catering business, and I love to go on walks and visit nursing homes. I love life.e

Sandra: I take it one day at a time and enjoy bowling.

Patricia W.: COPD can’t keep me from the people and things that I enjoy! Although I’m on O2 24 hours a day, I swim regularly and began snorkeling 3 years ago. I go on cruises and visit Paris for 3 months every year to be with my daughter and my French-American granddaughter. It’s a very good life!

A. W. “Smiley” Griffin: Sentences: I am a true “Tarheel” whose blood runs blue, and I love living in North Carolina. This is why I am serious about Rehab. I want to live and enjoy this state for a long, long time.

Tana: I am 61 going on 30 I only have 26% of my lungs left. I have Alpha One Antitrypson Difecentcy COPD, a genetic disease. I don’t let any grass grow under my feet. I am an avid quilter, and I love to ride roller coasters. On oxygen? To get air faster, put your hose in your mouth, we are mouth breathers.

Don: I’m 70 yrs. old. I have oxygen that I need daily. Breathing is difficult. I ask myself why I ever smoked. I read the warning label on the pack of cigarettes but I guess you can’t fix stupid! My family is very supportive! Never give up hope!