Eileen

Eileen is a registered nurse with 30 years of experience in all areas of nursing, and is certified in Geriatrics by the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center. Although she no longer works full time she stays active in nursing as an educator. Eileen was diagnosed with COPD in 1998 but had symptoms for about five years prior to that. She now uses oxygen. Eileen attended pulmonary rehab and encourages others to “do the same for the wonderful benefits it gives.” She exercises, and loves to cook, read, and explore the internet. Eileen lives in Massachusetts.

Tim

Tim was diagnosed with COPD in Jan 2004. A Certified Nursing Assistant in Geriatrics, he worked for many years fueled by his desire to improve the lives of the developmentally disabled. After working as a supervisor as well as an advocate for developmentally disabled adults, Tim continued, after diagnosis, to work full time for a year before retiring on disability.

After graduating from high school Tim joined the U.S. Air Force. Stationed in Europe, he enjoyed traveling extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East learning about local customs, history and new cuisines.

Having always been a big camping and hiking enthusiast, and more recently required to slow down because of COPD, Tim has developed a successful exercise routine to make up for his lack of activity. He enjoys reading crime dramas and mysteries and is an enthusiastic keeper of his garden and house plants. He recently began another new hobby – photography.

In keeping with his philosophy, “Strive to live life to its fullest for as long as possible,” Tim works online to inform, support and encourage others with COPD. A proud father and grandpa, Tim lives in Illinois with his family.

Sandy

Sandy is certainly no stranger to living with and around chronic disease. But instead of letting disease overtake her, she fought back by researching and making connections to find out what could be done to help herself, and others.

When her Dad passed away from complications of lung cancer, Sandy was crushed. She did not want to live, and was mad at God for taking her father – her mentor and her hero – away from her. About fifteen months later, Sandy’s mother passed away due to heart problems, and later her dear sister, who was like a twin to her, passed away, also from lung cancer.

In the early 1990's Sandy became sick and weak, and after extensive testing was told that she had Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS) and to go home, go to bed and rest. It was this action – or inaction – which lead eventually to the point that she had to be bathed and helped to walk and talk! Her memory loss was unbelievable. “I couldn't remember what I had for dinner the night before, it was that bad. But, I somehow got back up on my feet with the help of my caregiver. Thank the Lord for our caregivers!”

Now Sandy finds herself living with COPD/Emphysema/Asthma, Atrial Fibrillation, and Vasovagal Syncope in addition to the FM and CFIDS. But she not only doesn’t give up, but is made stronger by remembering the words of her father, her “Rock of Gibraltar,” who taught her respect for others and to always be persistent. He said, “Sandy, It could be a heck of a lot worse. No matter what the situation is, grin and bear it, deal with it, and live with it.”

She also remembers her mother’s philosophy. “Bite the bullet, be kind to others, and do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Sandy says, “I truly believe that God has let me get through all of this grief to help others through my research, talking to folks, sharing my knowledge and helping those who need help. I am very proud to be a member of BBLW community!

Dee 

Dee experienced the heartache and loss of pulmonary disease at an early age when her mother died from complications of asthma at the age of just twenty-eight.  Too young to understand just what it was, Dee remembers only that her mother was very sick most of the time.

Dee herself was diagnosed with COPD in April 2005. “I didn't even know what it was, and no one offered me an explanation. Needless to say, I was scared to death. If it hadn't been for forums such as BBLW, I would not be doing as well as I am today and I am sure I would have just sat around and felt very much alone. These forums are a wealth of information and support and have guided me to help improve the quality of my life. The people here are caring and supportive and I feel I have made treasured friendships.”

Dee feels blessed to be married, now, for thirty-seven years to a wonderful man who puts others before himself.  Together they own and run a hardware store in their community. She has two grown children, and six, (she says she should have had them first), grandchildren. They also have a little dog, Casey, whom Dee lovingly refers to as her "Pred". dog (a topic she’ll leave alone for now!).

As a young family they enjoyed traveling, camping and snowmobiling. In later years Dee and her husband again started motorcycling, something they had stopped when they had their family. They’ve logged many happy miles on their old "GOLDWING", but Dee hasn't ridden in recent years.

“The best times of my life are the ones I share with my family. We are close and we spend a lot of time together and I can't imagine my life without them.

“I enjoy nature and we go to the mountains often just to enjoy the beauty of the area. I love the outdoors, and even though I really don't have a green thumb, I enjoy planting flowers. 

“COPD is NOT a death sentence and I want to extend a hand and offer hope and support to others...I want to make a difference.”

Steve

Growing up just outside Chicago, Steve’s life seemed to be going along just as planned. He had graduated from high school, had a lot of friends, was involved in activities at church, and had just gone to baseball try-out camp. As an only son, he was poised to someday carry on a successful family business.

But in just a moment, his life was changed forever in January of 1980 when he was injured while working with his father on the family farm. The result of his injury was that Steve became a quadraplegic.  Although Steve does not have pulmonary disease per se, he has experienced numerous health problems over the past 26 years, including needing a pacemaker, colostomy, and tracheotomy with oxygen, as well as experiencing several bouts of pneumonia and a collapsed lung. Nebulizer treatments and suctioning are a routine part of his day.

Craig

Craig has been practicing Respiratory Therapy for fifteen years. He has a wide range of experience including emergency care, pediatrics, bronchoscopy assistance, and pulmonary function testing. He especially enjoys working in critical care, which he finds exciting and challenging in difficult situations. 

Craig is the author of BreathWish, a scriptural guide to smoking cessation and understanding COPD. A devout Christian, Craig is also involved in Heartwise Ministries, an organization helping provide health-related services to those in need.

A resident of Tennessee, Craig is married to his wife Melissa and has two young children.

Peg

When she was diagnosed with COPD, Peg bounced between complete denial and grasping the “death sentence” she had been given. She had some shortness of breath and two to three bouts with bronchitis every year, but drugs cleared that up … so she continued to smoke and live in denial, hiding out in murder and mystery novels and pretty much living in a constant state of depression.

Last year she met Jane and her Pulmonary Rehab team and really began learning about her illness. She is now on oxygen 24/7, but finally smoke-free and working very hard to regain muscle strength and weight – and refusing to give in!

It’s been a long, and sometimes bumpy, journey from a stubborn smoker in denial of reality to acceptance of her disease. She wants to help others get past denial, and heal – or at least feel a little lighter in their journey.

She says: “I know I have a lot to give back to help others cross the bridge to a better quality of life. We all have to walk our own path, we just don’t have to walk it alone.”

Peg lives with her husband in West Michigan.

Neva

Neva suffered from shortness of breath for ten years and was diagnosed with Asthma. After a major lung infection that just wouldn’t go away, she insisted her family doctor refer her to a pulmonary doctor, a request she had made many times before. Her family doctor referred her to an allergist, and it was that doctor who finally gave her the correct diagnosis – Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.

In spite of low lung function, Neva’s passion is to increase awareness of Alpha-1 and teach patients about educating themselves and communicating with their doctors to get the best possible care. Knowledge is power – and this power gives patients a voice in managing their own care.

Neva works full-time for the West Virginia Legislature and does volunteer work for the American Lung Association, the Alpha-1 Association, the Alpha-1 Foundation, and is currently the support group leader for the WV Alpha-1 Support Group.

She has been married for 21 years and has two college-age daughters. “Start by doing what’s necessary,” she says, “then what’s possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

John

If you’re out on the road and you see a 1999 Customized Harley-Davidson Road King Classic being ridden by a guy wearing oxygen, make sure you wave hello, because it might just be our BBLW moderator, John! Where there’s a will, there’s a way, and John certainly has the will to live his life as fully as he can, in spite of limitations from lung disease.

Through the course of his life, John has worked in many trades related to the construction business including carpentry, painting, roofing, concrete finishing, sheet rock hanging and finishing, tile setting, and equipment operation. He also worked for two decades as a truck driver. John drove a variety of types of trucks, ranging from tractor-trailers to concrete mixers, flatbeds, and dump trucks, hauling all sorts of loads. In doing this work he came in contact with many types of hazardous chemicals and dusts. John also smoked cigarettes for several years.

John has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure and emphysema. In spite of these health issues, John gives of himself as part of the BBLW team with a friendly, cheerful voice. He accepts each member as they are, always ready to uplift others with an encouraging word. John lives with his wife, Susan, in South Carolina.

So, John, we all want to know, how do you manage that Harley?

“I place O2 tanks in the saddlebags with a nosehose running through my top layer of clothing – jacket if cold, shirt if hot. The bike handles very easily, and I don't get any more tired riding it than I get driving a car. Country riding is a piece of cake and very relaxing because the bike is made for comfort and long distance touring. I love it. Riding in traffic is a bit more taxing due to stopping often for red lights. Spring and fall are the best times to ride due to the weather conditions and lack of bad humidity. I don't like to ride alone for obvious reasons and I carry a cell phone in case of emergencies. When I get tired I just pull over and take it easy with a snack and a bottle of water. The most miles I've ridden the bike was about 500 miles on a leisurely day ride with my wife Susan and several of our friends."

Lori (Advisor)

After losing her grandmother to lung cancer and her father to a long and cruel battle with COPD/Emphysema, Lori Palermo decided she had to do something to help others not have to go through what she and her family did. Seeing her dad suffer as a result of lack of education and support sparked Lori’s determination to learn all she could about COPD/Emphysema in order to help patients and their families struggling with the debilitating disease. A single mom, Lori works full time as a military auditor and also strives to increase COPD and smoking cessation awareness through writing stories and articles, working with community events, and running her website, www.loveyourlungsbreatheforlife.com . Lori enjoys reading, gardening, and listening to music. She lives in Pennsylvania.

Contributing Professionals

Dr. Sharma

Vijai Sharma, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with over 30 years experience. He had untreated asthma and chronic bronchitis since childhood and was diagnosed with Emphysema in 1994. Vijai strictly follows the COPD medical treatment and follows a program of wide-ranging exercise, nutrition and self-care.

Dr. Sharma specializes in mind-body medicine and appreciates how the anxiety, depression, anger, pain and stress can affect cardiopulmonary, colon and immune system function. He believes that we can utilize the body, breath, mind and spiritual energy for personal well-being, overall health and a better quality of life.

He is currently in private practice and directs the Behavioral Medicine Center in Cleveland, TN. He received extensive clinical training in India, the U.K. and Sweden and has been licensed as a clinical psychologist in Tennessee since 1981. He is a certified yoga teacher and registered with U.S. Yoga Alliance (500+hours) since 2004. He is a yoga instructor at the local YMCA and other fitness facilities and has completed advance teachers’ training in Yoga. Vijai believes yoga has helped him psychologically and physically in his battle with emphysema since being diagnosed.

Dr. Sharma has developed two exercise DVDs and companion workbooks, “Stretching and Breathing Exercises for Severe COPD,” and “Stretching and Breathing for COPD.” His clinical focus is on developing psychosocial interventions for anxiety and depression in COPD and he presents nationally on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Yoga Breathing Techniques for people with COPD. He has written over 300 self-care articles for people and families struggling with chronic illnesses. www.mindpub.com For specific COPD information: http://www.mindpub.com/copdhome.htm.

Helen

Helen Sorenson, MA, RRT, CPFT, FAARC, is a respiratory therapist and the Director of Clinical Education and an Associate Professor at the Department of Respiratory Care at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas.

She obtained a degree in Biology from Dana College in Blair Nebraska; CRT, RRT, and CPFT from California College for Respiratory Care; and a Master of Arts (MA) in Social Gerontology from the University of Nebraska. Her passion for the art of respiratory care and helping patients breathe better is evident in everything she does.

Helen has three children, five grandchildren, and enjoys writing playing the guitar and reading. She is a published author and is currently at work on a textbook on geriatric care.

Jane

Jane Jane M. Martin, BA, CRT is the founder and director of Breathing Better, Living Well. She has worked as a respiratory therapist for over 25 years in all areas of the hospital, emergency and trauma, and also with patients in Pulmonary Rehabilitation and the Better Breathers’ support group. She believes that a full life with chronic lung disease begins with effective education and peer support.

Jane is the author of Breathe Better, Live in Wellness: Winning Your Battle Over Shortness of Breath. She likes to write, cook, travel, and take walks. Jane lives in Michigan with her very patient family. Click here to learn more about Jane.