Please take a moment to visit http://www.copdfoundation.org to learn about ways to support the research surrounding COPD. Imagine yourself fighting to breathe. The fear grips you like a vice as you open your mouth to breathe, but can’t catch your breath. My mother died from complications related to COPD. The sad thing is she was too embarrassed to tell us she even had it. If only we had known, maybe we could have convinced her to get on the oxygen support.

COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is really an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases. While it is an incurable disease, you or your loved one can live with COPD by seeking treatment and managing the symptoms.

Take a deep breath right now…then imagine you couldn’t! Shortness of breath, wheezing, frequent coughing, and tightness in your chest are all symptoms of COPD. Among things you shouldn’t do is work around chemicals such as paint and cleaning products. My mom had spent several days in a townhome prepping it to sell. Little did she know the joy and excitement she had at the prospect of selling it, would dissipate as she exacerbated the symptoms which resulted in an attack that would end her precious life!

Let’s support the research in hopes a cure may be found! Meanwhile, wear a yellow ribbon for your hero and mine!