Posted by Luke on 7/24/2008, 11:33 pm
65.61.112.113
At other times I have bemoaned the fact that there is no COPD support group in our city of Spokane. In the little effort I exerted, I got no help from The American Lung Association/Better Breathers. They just said there was no interest...rudely too. Again I am looking for success stories from anywhere on how you did it. Again I would like feedback.
The following is an article which was written by Bonnie and it was published in their local paper. Bonnie used to post here years ago. In fact I met her on this forum (I think) sometime in 1998, just after we were both diagnosed. She and I lived in Colorado just a few miles apart, as the crow flies, at about 7000 ft. However, I did not meet her in peson until 1999 or so when I was near Bullhead City and visited with her for a couple of hours.
This is Bonnie's explanation to me about the success of their COPD group. "I'm not sure how much credit I deserve. It just sorta happened...it was ready here. ALA & Better Breathers both want you to be a part of them or at the very least pay for their publications. ALA sent me a big list and the prices aren't cheap for leaflets on how to do this and that. One of the drs when we started suggested that we become a regular nonprofit and reap the benefits but to do so would have cost money and rigamarole...more time than I would want to spend. As it is, we don't have money...no dues, no treasurer...never pay for anything and the local papers give us free space, and also the local TV. Think that's the secret. And through time it has become a pretty awesome caring group."
This is the article Bonnie wrote that appeared in their local paper.
Pulmonary Support Group
There is a growing cross section of the population in the Bullhead City area, drawn by altitude and climate, but also by the vacation atmosphere of the river, lake, desert, and casinos. They're the active handicapped, with faltering health but still wishing to maintain an active life style as long as possible.
Among that group are a large number of patients with lung problems. COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) alone has become the fourth leading cause of death nationwide. When the Pulmonary Support Group began in the fall of 02, with the primary purpose of providing a social outlet for those who could no longer attend Pulmonary Rehab, it quickly expanded to meet other needs.
There are 20 to 40 present at each meeting. About half of them require oxygen, with various types of portable systems. Some wear oxy-glasses, the newest form of delivery through the rims of their eye-glasses. One member has her tank dressed in a different style of baby dress at each meeting. (If life hands you lemons, make lemonade.) There are often wheel chairs or electric chairs, but if all this should cause gloom and doom, look elsewhere. Their goal is to control their disease, not let the disease control them. The up mood is amazing to first-time visitors. They have no name other than Pulmonary Support, preferring to remain independent from dues paying national groups. P.S. stands for Pulmonary Support, but also for " P.S. We ain't done yet."
At the July meeting, guest speaker, Ed Huyke, "Mr. Ed" of Tri-State Respiratory spoke on Washington legislation and the effects it could have on medicare. Tri State also furnishes a free lunch. Other speakers include doctors, nutritionists, exercise specialists, respiratory therapists, social workers, and any other with ideas to make life healthier, more fun, or more interesting.
The group meets the first Thursday of each month at 11:00 at the Shrine Building, 2580 Miracle Mile, and on the third Wednesday has a social get together at the Pizza Hut, 185 Highway 95, at 11:30. There are no dues, officers, or other formal requirements such as minutes. All members contribute their ideas for programs and any new information they have garnered.
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