Twelve million Americans have COPD, and another 12 million have it and don't know it. I'm in the first group.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a lung condition that makes breathing difficult. It commonly includes a combination
of two other diseases, emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Emphysema makes it difficult for the lungs to transfer air and as a result, carbon dioxide builds up and prevents oxygen
from getting into the blood. Chronic bronchitis narrows the airways and causes shortness of breath. COPD is unique in
that it's primary cause is entirely preventable: smoking.
I've smoked since I was a child. It was the thing to do. Sure, I heard adults say you shouldn't smoke, but I also saw
these same adults puffing on cigarettes. Like most young people who receive mixed messages they do not fully understand,
by the time I realized there might be long-term consequences, it was too late; I was hooked.
A few years ago, I started feeling bad: I had shortness of breath and could no longer enjoy favorite activities
without getting winded. I thought it was due to age.
When I finally went to my doctor, she told me I had COPD. I'd never heard of it. I was told there was no cure; she could
try to improve my quality of breathing, but I'd have this condition for the rest of my life and it would get worse. I'd
been smoking for 40 years. It was really a death sentence.
COPD has totally changed my life. At any time on any day I could have an attack. It starts with a tightening in
my chest, then I begin gasping for air. I've gotten sick simply walking from my car to the house. As I never know when
I'll have an attack, I have a portable breating apparatus, inhaler and medication I take with me everywhere. I once was very
active and bowling was my favorite pasttime, now it's impossible to get through a game.
In spite of these obstacles, I've learned so much about God. I've learned that while He will forgive, some of our
choices have consequences. In spite of all I'm going through, God has actually given me a ministry.
Today, my mission in life is to make sure others, especially our youth, do not make the same bad decision I made.
I want to be part of a society that teaches them to make right choices while helping them realize that consequences
of bad decisions may affect their health and the well-being of their loved ones. This message applies to all ages.
I have been given the opportunity to speak at schools, to church groups and on radio programs. When I bring out my machine
and medicine, it really gets the audience's attention. Sometimes even talking is difficult, but with the help of God,
I get through every presentation.
Recently, I've been invited to share my story in a new way. A friend of mine is a playright who puts on plays to raise
money for worthwhile causes. She knew about my condition and desire to reach others, and wrote a part in her play where I
am free to educate with my testimony. I know God makes this possible.
I'm learning that the things we go through aren't for us, they are for someone else. Only God could turn my negative
into a positive, and give me strength to share my struggles so that others won't have to travel this road. He has made
Galations 2:20 real for me:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live;
yet not I, but Christ lives in me; and the
life that I now live in the flesh, I live by
the faith of the Son of God, who loves me,
and gave Himself for me
If you are a smoker, PLEASE STOP NOW. If you have shortness of breathe or any difficulty breathing, see a doctor
immediately. Above all, know that God can change your negative into a positive.
