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Hustle Up the Hancock 2012

Mother to climb 94 stories in honor of her daughter

When Lea Bell took her 6-month-old daughter, Emily, to the doctor for what she thought was a common cold, she was jolted when the doctor put a stethoscope to Emily’s chest and said she could hear the little girl struggling for air.

Since then, Emily has been living with asthma. For the first four years, when the asthma was bad, Lea needed to learn how to help her daughter use a nebulizer to administer medication in the form of a mist into her lungs. Like most parents, Lea did not know much about asthma before Emily was diagnosed.

“I felt so guilty, asking the doctor, ‘She’ll outgrow it, right?’” Lea said. “The doctor explained that people don’t grow out of asthma, but it can become more manageable.”

Now that Emily is 9, she and Lea have learned to recognize Emily’s signs and symptoms of an asthma attack. But it wasn’t always that apparent. Every winter until Emily was 6, her asthma attack symptoms were so subtle that by the time Lea recognized she was having trouble breathing, Emily needed to be rushed to the hospital.

Luckily, it’s been more than a year since Emily has used a nebulizer. She plays sports year round and still carries her inhaler, though she rarely needs it. Even though Lea feels as if Emily’s asthma is under control, she remembers a time when it played a scary role her and her daughter’s lives. She wants to help families who might be experiencing that, so she has pledged to climb 94-floors in Hustle Up the Hancock.

Hustle Up the Hancock is a stair climb in the John Hancock Center on February 26 hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. It raises more than $1 million every year for local lung health research and programs. Lea said she hopes to raise funds to benefit other families affected by asthma.

“I’m fortunate that Emily’s asthma has become more manageable and we can receive the care she needs,” Lea said. “For all the families who do not have access to good care, I want to raise money so that they can have the education and support to help their kids manage their asthma.”

To support Lea in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/leabell.

Geneva woman remembering father through stair climb

When Ann Bender’s father was diagnosed with lung cancer on his birthday one year ago, all she felt was anger. She was mad that the cancer had gone undetected for too long to be treated and infuriated that cigarettes – the source of her father’s lung cancer – were still being sold. 

Ann’s father Vincent Ottaviano had been a smoker since a young age. While she had always known about the dangers of his smoking, she wasn’t prepared to watch him suffer from stage IV lung cancer for 10 months. He was first confined to a wheelchair and then required hospice care, and Ann and her family took turns sitting with him every day.

“This was a man who had taken care of his family for years, and now he needed us to care for him,” Ann said. “We had to stay strong for him.”

Ann’s father had a goal in mind to make it to his 50^th wedding anniversary. He was able to celebrate it with his wife this past September, but then his health deteriorated quickly. In addition to the cancer he had emphysema, and it became hard for him to breathe without an oxygen tank. He passed away at 71 in late October.

Ann credits her good friend Julie Kratochvil for helping her cope as she watched her father struggle with lung cancer. It was Julie who suggested Ann find a way to channel her anger to do some good. The two women participated in several lung health fundraisers, and the Geneva residents will participate in Hustle Up the Hancock on February 26. The 94-story climb is hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to raise more than $1 million for local lung disease research and programs.

As a Lung Health Champion, Ann has committed to raising $1,000. She said if nothing else, she’d like to see her money go toward something very simple: keeping young people from smoking.

“My father smoked since he was young, but back then it was different times and smoking was accepted,” Ann said. “I can’t believe that even now, kids still think smoking is cool despite all of the tools and knowledge we have about the dangers. We have to keep educating them and to do that we have to keep fundraising.” 

To help people quit smoking and to prevent young people from starting, Respiratory Health Association offers a number of free resources and programs. Through the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project, the organization created Operation Storefront, an interactive curriculum that educates youth about tobacco advertising and encourages them to consider the negative impacts of tobacco use on their friends and family.

To support Ann in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/annbender.

Evanston mom climbing to keep kids tobacco-free

Ann Covode of Evanston is participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-floor stair climb up the John Hancock Center. Hosted by and benefitting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the event aims to raise more than $1 million for lung health research, advocacy and education in Chicagoland.

Ann is climbing in memory of family and friends who have passed away from lung disease, especially her great uncle. He had emphysema and died when Ann was a young girl. Seeing his health deteriorate is something Ann will never forget.

“It was very striking to me when I was a child,” Ann said. “I thought about how scary it would be not to be able to breath, and when I was 12 I vowed I’d never smoke.”

It’s a choice Ann makes sure to share with her three daughters. They discuss saying no and the health risks of smoking, but Ann is discouraged that her message has to compete with tobacco advertisements targeting a young demographic.

“It bothers me that tobacco companies are still promoting their products to a young crowd and trying to make it look cool,” Ann said. “We really need tobacco prevention programs to give children all of the education they can have.”

She hopes her climb will raise money to support Respiratory Health Association’s many free resources and programs to help people quit smoking and to prevent young people from starting. Through the Chicago Tobacco Prevention Project, the organization created Operation Storefront, an interactive curriculum that educates youth about tobacco advertising and encourages them to consider the negative impacts of tobacco use on their friends and family. CTPP has also held several youth contests encouraging young adults to draw or write about why they choose to be tobacco free. 

To support Ann in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/anncovode.

Climbers to honor child survivor of the Holocaust

Longtime Chicago resident Joan Maas made a lasting impact in her community. For years, Joan - a child survivor of the Holocaust - spoke to school-age children in the greater Chicago area about tolerance and the danger of oppression. She worked with her daughter Nancy Chertok to develop her memoir, Oma's Story, and her legacy lives on despite her passing in May of 2010 from lung cancer and COPD.

Nancy, of Oak Park, said she draws upon her mother's example every day. Joan overcame adversity by marching with Rev. Martin Luther King. She proved it's never too late to follow a passion when she attended college while raising a family. She reinvented her professional life, won a Rookie of the Year award for sales in real estate and became the first woman president of the Chicago Chapter of the Institute of Real Estate Management. When she vowed to fight through her COPD and lung cancer, she was the face of perseverance. In honor of her mother, Nancy will be climbing 52 floors of the John Hancock Center February 26 for lung health.

Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the event will raise more than $1 million for lung disease research, advocacy and education. The climb will provide Nancy and Joan's friend, Barbara Binik, the chance to join more than 4,000 participants, most of whom are affected by lung disease. "We'll have the opportunity to get the message out about lung health and remind people of the importance of enduring hardships," Nancy said.

Before Nancy's mother developed lung cancer, she was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2000. COPD is a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing and shortness of breath due to lung damage and airflow blockage. Because airways in the lungs are blocked, normal breathing takes extra effort. Many people living with COPD find it hard to do everyday tasks such as walking to their mailbox, but Nancy said that wasn't going to stop her mom.

"Even if it took her a couple of minutes to walk across a room, she was just going to do it slowly," Nancy said. "She was independent and she kept going no matter what."

During a routine checkup with her pulmonary specialist in 2006, Joan was diagnosed with late stage lung cancer, but she continued to speak at schools and work as a realtor when she could. She volunteered with President Obama's campaign and vowed to stay alive to see him become president. Her determined attitude stuck with her friend and former coworker Barbara.

"Joan was ahead of her time and always rose to the occasion," Barbara said. "I learned so much from her life stories, both personally and professionally."

Joan lived her life teaching others to overcome adversity, and Nancy and Barbara hope their climb will do that as well. They want to honor Joan's legacy in a way that will have a positive impact on the future of lung disease research and education.

"There are many mysteries to lung cancer and the science of figuring out a cure," Nancy said. "I want to raise money for lung disease education and smoking cessation programs to help prevent people from getting lung cancer in the first place."

To support Nancy in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/nancychertock.

Aurora teacher to climb in honor of her mother

Four years ago, after joining a local gym, Meghan Duermit was excited to see her healthy eating and new workout routine reflect on the scale. But when her mother, Mary Ellen Duermit, was diagnosed with Stage III lung cancer in November of 2007, Meghan altered her fitness routine and nutritional meals to care for her. As Mary Ellen's health declined, Meghan focused more on her and her family then herself.

“It was so hard to take care of a loved one who was so sick,” Meghan said. “I never imagined the difficult care that was needed for someone who was only 67 years old. I started gaining weight from stress eating.”

After Meghan’s mother went through chemotherapy and radiation treatments, a scan came back showing her lungs were clear. Her family was relieved until November 2008, when Mary Ellen started feeling different symptoms. The doctors found that the cancer had spread to her brain, and warned everyone that this time it would probably not be curable.

“I remember on December 31, 2008, my mom asked the doctor how much time she had left and she answered six weeks or less,” Meghan said. “I kept hearing that over and over, but I was still shocked when she died one week later.  I struggle with her being gone and miss her every day.”

 After her mom passed away in January 2009, Meghan slowly began to get back into her workout routine and track what she ate. She knew her mom would want her to feel and look her best, so she challenged herself with workouts four to five times a week. This past summer, after completing 100 floors on the Stairmaster, she decided to try climbing stairs outside of the gym. Posting her goal on Facebook led her to the perfect workout and fundraising goal.

“I posted, ‘Just climbed on the Stairmaster, now I need a building!’ ” Meghan said. “A friend suggested I look up Hustle Up the Hancock, and when I did, the event hit home for me.”

The 94-story stair climb is hosted by the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago raises more than $1 million for lung disease research, advocacy and education in Chicagoland. Meghan signed up for the climb, which will be held on February 26, in memory of her mother. She is also climbing to honor a fellow teacher and close friend at Indian Prairie School District 204 and all of her students who suffer from asthma and other respiratory conditions.  

“I’m climbing in hopes that everyone will become more aware of what’s causing lung diseases, whether it’s pollution, cigarettes or secondhand smoke,” Meghan said.

Now that she’s lost 25 pounds and climbed 191 floors in a recent Stairmaster workout, Meghan can’t wait to complete Hustle Up the Hancock. She’s not just looking forward to reaching her own fitness goal, but also excited by the prospect of reaching out to others.  

“My mother would always cheer me on with a ‘way to go,’ ” Meghan said. “This is something for me to do to make her proud, and to help people become more conscious of lung disease.”

To learn more or register for Hustle, visit www.lungchicago.org/hustle. To support Meghan in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/meghanduermit.

Naperville man to climb John Hancock in honor of father figure

Steve Kovar of Naperville lost his father to an unexpected heart attack in 1997. For 10 years, there was a void in his life, but when he met Jerry Liberty, it was filled.

The father of his business partner Kristine Liberty became a role model and sounding board for pair. From giving them legal advice to setting up the computer system at the new Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, the former Chicago homicide detective seemed to know it all. So when Jerry was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in November of 2010, Steve was devastated by the thought that he might again lose a "father."

Like many people, the symptoms of Jerry's lung cancer didn't show until it was in the late stages. When Kristine heard her dad's heavy cough, she paged his primary doctor about her concerns. After several months of testing, it was revealed that he had stage IV cancer in the right lung. The diagnosis came as a shock to him and his family because he'd quit smoking more than 30 years ago and never worked in dangerous environments. It was especially unnerving to Steve because, as a doctor, he knew how hard the next few months of chemotherapy treatments would be.

"Cancer doesn't just hurt the person who has it; it hurts the whole family," Steve said. "It puts everyone's life on hold."

Steve admires Jerry for maintaining a positive attitude through his treatments and surgery to remove part of his lung. Always a straight shooter, Jerry is the first to say "cancer sucks," but he's not going to let it keep him from fulfilling his role as a father.

"He could get down about it, but instead he chooses to take each day as it comes," Steve said. "He's still willing to listen and be there for all the people in his life."

Steve wanted a way to honor Jerry for his resilience. Since he's a fitness buff, he signed up for Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-stair climb hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Now in its 15th year, the event raises more than $1 million annually to support local lung disease research, advocacy and education.

"I've done marathons for my health before, but I wanted to do this for Jerry," Steve said. "If I can raise five, 10 or 20 dollars and that's the difference between doing research or not, it's worth a lot. If climbing could give Jerry the chance to get a new chemo drug to give him and his family more time, how could I not do this?"

Steve will participate in the fundraiser February 26 with more than 4,000 other climbers. He said he's excited to complete this for Jerry and everyone else affected by lung disease.

"This is about living life and experiencing something," Steve said. "This is to help a kid with asthma, help someone quit smoking or help someone learn the signs and symptoms of lung cancer. That's why I'm doing this climb."

To learn more or register for Hustle, visit www.lungchicago.org/hustle. To support Steve in his fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/stevekovar.

Daughter honors father with John Hancock Center stair climb

Jamie Miller's last memory of her father riding a bike is bittersweet. It was during her family's vacation at Cannon Beach, Oregon, in May of 2010, and her dad was determined to pedal through the sand despite his deteriorating lung capacity. Jamie and her brother followed, assisting him.

"It was almost like helping someone learn how to ride a bike again," Jamie said. "We held onto his seat and pushed as he pedaled."

For years, Bob Miller biked in races and took friends and family on bike tours, always leading the pack. But in 2009, he noticed pedaling and controlling his breathing was becoming harder. After several doctors visits, he was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It came as a shock because he had been in peak physical condition and had never smoked. X-rays showed the cancer had metastasized to other parts of his body. He went in for emergency brain surgery one week later to remove a tumor.

Jamie, her brother and mother stayed by her father's side for nearly one year. They knew the surgery was merely a precursor to more medical needs and that it wouldn't save his life. But instead of focusing on the grim present, Bob wanted to share as much as he could with his family. They traveled to one of his favorite places, the Grand Canyon, and spent time at the beach just as they had every other year.

"There were moments of despair and asking ‘Why me?', but we all wanted to be together as happy as we could be," Jamie said. "We wanted to make as many memories and talk to him as much as we could. I tried to imagine what I'd want to ask him if I got married and had kids, and wrote all that down."

Bob passed away from lung cancer on July 1, 2010, surrounded by his family at home. Soon after, Jamie and her brother honored their father's wish to live forever in their memories. They organized the first annual Bob Miller Memorial Bike Ride in Seattle and held it on September 19, 2010, his birthday. The ride raised funds for the Bob Miller Foundation, which supports early detection lung cancer research through Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

Nearly 70 people who knew Bob came together at the event, and every person in the room reminded Jamie of the good times she'd had with her father and how many lives he'd touched. It was the perfect memory to take with her on her move to Chicago later that month.

Jamie has found a way to honor her father in her new city. She is joining her coworkers at Lockton in Hustle Up the Hancock, a stair climb fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Jamie will join more than 4,000 other climbers on February 26 to ascend 94 floors of the John Hancock Center. The annual event raises $1 million each year to support local lung disease research, advocacy and education.

"I wanted to try to help keep my dad's legacy alive and educate people about lung disease," Jamie said. "This is another way for me to be able to do it, and it helps me meet more people in Chicago as I share my dad's story with them."

To support Jamie in her climb or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/jamiemiller.

Woman to celebrate her lung health, honor her father

For the fourth year in a row, Gamilah Pierre will climb 94 stories in Hustle Up the Hancock to fight lung disease. As someone living with asthma, she climbs in honor of everyone who doesn’t have the lung capacity to make the climb themselves, like her father.

Gamilah was diagnosed with asthma as a child and spent a lot of time in the hospital due to asthma attacks. Her father watched as his daughter was at times helplessly out of breath, and now he knows the feeling firsthand. He was diagnosed with COPD in 1998.

“Needing to catch your breath is something a lot of people haven’t experienced,” Gamilah said. “There have been times when I was so exhausted from asthma that I just became frustrated.  It’s similar to my dad’s COPD, which also makes him expend a lot of energy focusing on breathing. We both know how being short of breath can make you tire so easily.” 

COPD is a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing and shortness of breath due to airflow blockage and damage to the lungs. It affects 24 million people and although it is not reversible, it can be managed. Gamilah’s father keeps his under control by maintaining a steady work out schedule and eating healthy meals. Despite his good habits, he requires oxygen most of the time and it’s hard for him to travel from Texas to Frankfort, Ill., to see his daughter.

Gamilah said she wishes more than anything that her father could participate in the climb with her, or at least just be at the top to greet her. Because he can’t, she participates to raise money for research to help people like her father. Each year she climbs as a Lung Health Champion and raises $1,000.

“I get inspired and actually shock myself once I get to the top,” Gamilah said. “I didn’t train in the past, but this year I am training and look forward to knocking minutes off of my time!”

Now in its 15^th year, Hustle Up the Hancock is hosted by RHAMC to support local lung disease research and programs. Each year, more than 4,000 people race to the top of John Hancock Center to raise more than $1 million for local lung disease research and programs. The event offers a 94-story full climb or the 52-story CBS2 half climb.

Learn more at www.lungchicago.org/hustle. To support Gamilah in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, go to www.lungchicago.org/gamilahpierre.

Daughter doing stair climb in memory of her father

When Heidi Ruppel was in college four years ago she received a call from home letting her know her father wasn’t doing well. After more than two years of him remaining active despite having been diagnosed with lung cancer, the disease had started to take a toll on his body.

Roger Ruppel was diagnosed with lung cancer the day before Thanksgiving in 2004. He’d gone in for a doctor’s appointment when he noticed a metastatic mass in his groin. Through a MRI and CT scans, doctors determined he’d had lung cancer for two years, and by the time he was diagnosed it’d spread to other parts of his body. They estimated he’d have up to six months to live. As a nonsmoker and athletic man, Roger had seen no previous signs of the disease.

Once Heidi heard she was needed at home, she spent the winter of 2007 driving two-and-a-half hours from Eastern Illinois University to her parents’ home in Chicago several times a week. She felt torn each time she set out for the other place, yet she knew she had to be with her father. Despite his optimistic attitude, he now relied on his family to get through each day.

“The entire time my dad had cancer, I never saw defeat in him,” Heidi said. “He was a fighter, and I think that’s why he stayed alive so long. I believe the people who beat the odds are the ones who have a positive outlook on life and take care of themselves.”

Roger passed away in February 2007 after nearly four years of living with cancer. Just days before, Heidi had volunteered for the first time with Hustle Up the Hancock, a stair climb fundraiser hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to benefit local lung health programs.

“I volunteered at Hustle because I wanted to get involved in something to honor my father,” Heidi said. “He passed away just two days after the event.”

Volunteering at Hustle Up the Hancock has become an annual way for Heidi to remember the anniversary of her father’s death. This year the event will be held February 26, and just as she has been for the past three years, Heidi will be at the top of the John Hancock Center as everyone finishes the 94-story climb. But instead of being part of the celebration crew, she’s going to be the one being cheered on.

“In past years, I’ve seen lung cancer survivors and their families complete the climb, so I decided to do it, too,” Heidi said. “Seeing them gives you the energy and motivation you need. It’s not an easy thing to do, but people’s excitement, sweat and tears as they finished made me want to do it.”

Heidi will be participating with her boyfriend, Adam, and their family and friends will meet them at the top. Though a large part of the day will be about her accomplishing the climb, it will also be dedicated to her father and her fundraising efforts.  The event raises more than $1 million to support local lung health research, advocacy and education.

“I want to raise money and awareness for lung cancer,” Heidi said. “I’d like people to know how to be more health conscious. Who knows, maybe if my dad had gone to the doctor earlier something could have been done and he would still be here today.”   

To support Heidi in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, go to www.lungchicago.org/heidiruppel.

Naperville man to climb for lung health

For Naperville resident John Whelan, running up 94 stories for Hustle Up the Hancock isn't just another way for him to get in his cardio; it's a way to honor his cousin Glyn Whelan, who passed away from cystic fibrosis in 1999.

Glyn lived in Ireland his entire life and John lived in the United States. The two weren't close as children because Glyn had been diagnosed with CF when he was five-months-old, and the lung disease kept him from traveling. He constantly battled infections and was in and out of the hospital even after a heart and lung transplant at 9. It wasn't until Glyn was a teenager that his parents and doctors thought he was healthy enough to fly to the United States. Unfortunately hypoxia - depriving parts of his body from oxygen - made breathing too difficult for him to do on his own.

"His entire stay in America was spent in the hospital, but he was visited every day by all or part of our family," John said. "We all got to know him very well, considering the short amount of time we had together. Of course we have sad memories of that time, but I am also happy I grew closer with my cousin."

John said that until he saw his cousin in the hospital, he hadn't been aware of how debilitating cystic fibrosis can be. It's a disease that causes mucus to become thick and sticky, so that it builds up and blocks some of the organs in the body - especially the lungs and the pancreas. In the lungs, the mucus can block airways, making breathing difficult and sometimes causing serious lung infections.

Approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States have cystic fibrosis. It can affect anyone, but is most prominent in Caucasians, specifically Irish. Though CF has no cure, it can be managed through chest physical therapy, exercise and medications. Some people, like Glyn, require lung transplants. When he died at 17, he was the longest living lung and heart transplant recipient.

To honor Glyn and his family, John is participating in Hustle for the first time on February 26, 2012. As a Lung Health Champion, he has committed to raising $1,000.

"I will definitely be thinking of my cousin as I'm climbing those stairs and raising money to benefit others going through what he went through," John said. "No matter what, I will complete this challenge. It will not compare to living even one day in Glyn's shoes."

Now in its 15th year, Hustle Up the Hancock is hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to support local lung disease research and programs. Each year, more than 4,000 people race to the top of John Hancock Center to raise more than $1 million for local lung disease research and programs. The event offers a 94-story full climb or the 52-story CBS2 half climb.

To learn more or register for Hustle, visit www.lungchicago.org/hustle. To support John in his fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/johnwhelan.

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Special recognition

RHAMC Board member named Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader

Diana Hackbarth, PhD, RN, FAAN, has been named the Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader. Dr. Hackbarth is a professor at Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing (MNSON). She was honored for her hard work, commitment and dedication to serve the health-care needs of the people of Illinois through her leadership and ability to break through barriers. She will receive this award at the 14th Annual Power of Nursing Leadership Event on Friday, Nov. 4, at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago.

“Diana is an integral member of our faculty and a champion for the profession of nursing,” said Vicki Keough, PhD, RN-BC, ACNP, dean, MNSON. “Her work has had a lasting impact on nurses, students and the health of the population throughout the state of Illinois.

Each year, the Power of Nursing Leadership celebrates an exceptional nurse leader with the Joan L. Shaver Illinois Outstanding Nurse Leader Award. This event brings together hundreds of nurses to showcase the impact of the profession in shaping health care to meet the needs of the people of Illinois.

Dr. Hackbarth was recognized with this award for the various leadership positions she has taken on during her career. This includes policy work she has done on tobacco prevention as a team member of the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco and the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Dr. Hackbarth also was honored for her work to establish Loyola’s school-based health center at Proviso East High School. This center provides easy access to health-care services and education for students in an underserved community in Illinois.

In addition, Dr. Hackbarth is an accomplished educator, researcher and author. Her research interests include program evaluation, health policy and tobacco control. She also has held leadership positions in public health including serving as chair of the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco, chair of the Wilmette Board of Health and as past president and board member of the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

“I am honored to be recognized by this esteemed group of nurse leaders,” Dr. Hackbarth said. “I have enjoyed representing nurses and witnessing how our profession can make a difference in health policy, tobacco control and in the delivery of primary health care to disadvantaged populations.”

Hike for Lung Health 2011

Josie's Angels watch over former coworker

There are a lot of days that Josie Cruz can’t finish everyday activities such as showering and cleaning before she needs to rest. She lacks energy, is short of breath and has coughing fits. As someone living with pulmonary fibrosis, her symptoms are normal, but they’re ones she wishes she could erase. Luckily, she was recently able to push them aside for an afternoon in the park with friends to raise funds and awareness for lung disease.

Team Josie’s Angels participated in Hike for Lung Health, an event hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to raise more than $100,000 in support of 12 local lung health organizations. Josie walked with 30 friends, many of whom were her former coworkers in the newborn intensive care unit at Edward Hospital in Naperville. So far, the team has raised $3,900.

“So many people have joined the cause because Josie bridges all groups of people and she is universally liked,” said team captain Rachel Harding. “We’ve all been amazed at her strength and sunny outlook.”

Josie was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2010. The disease affects 200,000 Americans and causes scarring on the lung tissue, making it difficult for lungs to deliver oxygen. To Josie, the idea of her lung health declining was hard to digest.

“Working as a neonatal nurse, I think of the lungs as still growing and regenerating, but that’s not the case in an adult lung,” Josie said. “Once lungs are scarred as an adult, there’s nothing your body can do.”

Doctors do not know what causes pulmonary fibrosis, and there's not an FDA approved treatment or cure, although patients recover with lung transplatns. Josie was recently added to the waiting list for a bi-lateral lung transplant.

Though Josie has been on disability leave from work for two years, she stays in touch with her coworkers and keeps them up to date on her health.

“All of my coworkers have been so supportive, they’re like a second family to me,” Josie said. “We wanted to do this because not a lot of people know about pulmonary fibrosis. We need to advocate for more funding and awareness so we can better treat others and just get the word out there.”

To support Josie's Angels' fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/josiesangels. 

NCH pulmonary rehab participants walk for lung health

Pulmonary rehab participants at Northwest Community Hospital recently took trips to Chinatown, a casino, Wrigley Field and more without ever leaving the hospital’s campus in Arlington Heights. For the third year in a row, a group of 30 pulmonary rehab patients participated in Hike for Lung Health as virtual walkers and charted 60 miles walking to many of Chicago’s best sites.

Hike for Lung Health is hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to raise more than $100,000 in support of 12 lung health organizations. On Sunday, September 25, more than 800 participants will walk one or three miles around Lincoln Park in honor of individuals affected by lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, ARDS and sarcoidosis. Some participants, such as Northwest Community Hospital’s pulmonary rehab group, choose to be virtual walkers by walking at another site over a period of time.

“We decided to walk 60 miles as teams this year because we calculated that was how far it was from Arlington Heights to Lincoln Park,” said Mary McNally, a nurse at Northwest Community Hospital and captain for the NCH Pulmonators. “Participating in the event was a lot of fun for everyone. Every so many miles, we set up days so everyone participating could wear a Cubs jersey and feel like they’d walked to Wrigley Field or play cards and pretend like they arrived at a casino.”

Everyone in the pulmonary rehab group has COPD, a lung disease that causes difficulty breathing and shortness of breath due to airflow blockage and damage to the lungs. In pulmonary rehab, participants focus on pulmonary wellness by identifying disease risk factors, achieving goals such as weight gain or loss, troubleshooting problems regarding oxygen and understanding preventative care. Because airways are blocked, normal breathing may take extra effort, making exercise seem nearly impossible. However, all patients must understand the value of exercise and make sure they participate in it, McNally said.

Hike for Lung Health offers a virtual walk option for people living with COPD so that they can participate in the walk, utilize the guidance of trained staff and achieve their exercise goals without being hindered by limitations or health risks. McNally said exercising in pulmonary rehab allows people to improve their balance, strength and quality of life, and participating as a virtual Hike team was a great way to get people excited about getting moving.

“The amazing thing is, everyone was surprised at how much they could do and it was a team building exercise,” McNally said. “They walked that extra mile to get to their goal, and really became supportive of each other.”

To support NCH Pulmonator's fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/nchpulmonators.

Lung Power Team: Chicago Marathon 2011

Woman takes control of asthma with Lung Power Team

Julie Barrett of Evanston ran in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes supporting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

Julie joined the team to stay healthy and manage her asthma, which she was diagnosed with as an adult. When she found out she had asthma, she originally used it as an excuse to quit her exercise routine, but soon realized that was not the solution. Last year, she knew she needed to get moving again to improve her health.

“I was going to do something about this and do it big,” Julie said. “I promised myself to run the 2010 marathon, but the training went really bad.”

Despite dreading the marathon, she followed through with it, if only just not feel as if she let down others who showed her support. After she ran, Julie again fell out of the habit of exercising, until a doctor told her she had chronic coughing that was bad for her asthma. If she didn’t make changes in her lifestyle, it would never improve.  A fear of poor health convinced her to join the Lung Power Team for the 2011 marathon, and to this time run it for her.

“I run for me and for other people who suffer with lung disease,” Julie said. “I know the feeling of not being able to catch my breath from walking up a flight of stairs.”

Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support local lung disease research, advocacy and education. For more information on the Lung Power Team or to support Julie's efforts, visit http://www.lungchicago.org/juliebarrett.

Naperville resident runs in support of her friend

Ginger Cioffi-Carragher, of Naperville, ran in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon Sunday as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes running in support of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

Ginger ran her third marathon in support of people who have been diagnosed with Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), specifically her friend Liz Veronda. Alpha-1 is a genetic disorder that can cause emphysema and liver disease later in life. It’s estimated that about one in every 2,500 Americans have it. Ginger said she chose to run in support of RHAMC because she’d like more people to know about symptoms and treatments of Alpha-1.

“I wanted to increase awareness for Alpha-1 so that if people are having respiratory problems they can pursue avenues for treatment, and know that there are successful treatments out there,” Ginger said. “My friend Liz, with Alpha-1, is truly a hero because she gets up and embraces life every day. The least I can do is run 26 miles.”

Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support RHAMC’s lung disease research, advocacy and education. For more information or to support Ginger's efforts, visit http://www.lungchicago.org/gingercioffi-carragher.

Nate Gray supports lung health efforts in his hometown

Nate Gray of Deerfield ran in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes supporting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

He chose to run the marathon to celebrate the fact he’d quit smoking two years ago, and now feels healthier than ever.

“I smoked for 20 years and finally gave it up cold turkey,” Nate said. “I wanted to do something to celebrate my accomplishment and to have something to work toward.”

Nate wanted to run with a charity team and chose to join Lung Power Team because of the relevance it has to his life. As a former smoker, he appreciates the educational programs and research Respiratory Health Association supports.

“I like that they have local programs, and aren’t just focused on pharmaceutical solutions to lung disease,” Nate said. “It’s great that they offer support groups to help people quit smoking and that they back clean air initiatives. Their work is critical, especially because it’s helping my hometown.”

Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support RHAMC’s lung disease research, advocacy and education. For more information or to support Nate's efforts, visit http://www.lungchicago.org/nategray.

Sangita Bhagat runs in honor of her father

Sangita Bhagat of Des Plaines ran in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes running in support of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

Sangita has run half marathons in other cities, but said she thought it was time she participated in one in her hometown of Chicago. She ran in memory of her father, Shantilal, who passed away from respiratory failure and pneumonia in March 2011.

“This cause became a lot more personal to me because he passed away so suddenly,” Sangita said.

She wrote online that she felt powerless watching he father suffer from his respiratory issues, and wanted to do something to help others. This marathon could do just that, she wrote. “As I train for the long runs for the marathon, I know I am helping others breathe easier – mile by mile, breath by breath.”

Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support RHAMC’s lung disease research, advocacy and education. For more information or to support Sangita's efforts, visit http://www.lungchicago.org/sangitabhagat.

Hank Olsen celebrates end to smoking with Chicago Marathon

When Zion resident Hugh “Hank” Olsen finished a 20-mile run in September, he took a picture of the mile counter on his shoe and sent it to three of his friends to gloat. Because of a pact they’d all made one year ago, they were supposed to be on the run together, yet Hank was the only one there.

The four friends had all vowed they would quit smoking within a year’s time and run the 2011 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Though they started together, Hank was the only one who followed through. He ran in the marathon as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes running in support of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

“I think what kept me from smoking again was my training,” Hank said. “When I was smoking I could only run one mile before I felt winded. Last Monday, I ran 20 miles. Now, not only do I feel better physically and look better, I’ve also noticed a difference mentally.”

Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support RHAMC’s lung disease research, advocacy and education. Hank said that while he was aware of all of the health problems smoking could have caused later in life, he quit for immediate gratification.

“I don’t smell from smoking and my teeth are a lot whiter,” Hank said. “I feel better when I wake up in the morning, and I’m no longer getting colds or coughs that won’t go away. Even though I’m only in my 20s, I was really unhealthy in a lot of ways when I smoked.”

For Hank, the hardest part about quitting smoking was to find new ways to calm his nerves when he was frustrated. Luckily, his exercise routine did just that. The week before the race, instead of being concerned about when he can smoke his next cigarette, he was constantly thinking about the goal ahead.

“The whole week was me feeling nervous about walking downstairs twisting my ankle, or worrying if I was breaking in my running shoes properly,” Hank said. “I was so nervous and anxious to run, but really excited, too.”

For more information or to support Hank in his efforts, visit http://www.lungchicago.org/hugholsen.

Lauren Sandman to run marathon in memory of her dad

Lauren Sandman lost her father to lung cancer in January 2010, and since her recent move to Chicago, she feels as if memories of him are everywhere.

Though Shel Sandman raised his family in Los Angeles, he showed off his hometown of Chicago to his children every summer. They'd visit their grandparents in Evanston and hear stories of his family's establishment on Clark Street. He knew all of the sites and savored Chicago-style hot dogs. When Lauren moved here just a few months ago, she couldn't help thinking of how her father would love to acquaint her with her new home if he were still alive.

Shel was diagnosed with Stage II lung cancer in June 2008. Doctors removed half of his right lung and he went through chemotherapy treatments. For six months, he and his family were optimistic it was gone, until a CT scan one year after his diagnosis showed it had spread to his brain and left lung. There were 15 lesions that radiotherapy couldn't treat, and he died shortly after.

Thinking of her father every day, Lauren decided to join a traditional Chicago event in honor of him. She signed up for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as part of the Lung Power Team, a group of athletes associated with Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Lung Power Team athletes participate in races nationwide, and many are personally affected by lung disease. Lauren joined the team to meet more people and remember her father.

"As soon as I saw this team, I knew it was the one I wanted to join," Lauren said. "I'm giving to a charity I really believe in and I can interact with people who have gone through what I have."

Each Lung Power Team member raises funds that support lung disease research, advocacy and education. Lauren said she's passionate about fundraising because she'd like to see more early detection for lung cancer, the leading cause of cancer death.

"Most people don't know they have lung cancer until they have symptoms, and by then it's too late," Lauren said. "I'd love to see research advance so that lung cancer is more preventable and see screening technology available so it could be detected earlier."

Lauren's family and friends have been supportive of her training for the marathon. Most importantly, Lauren said her mom's presence at the race and thoughts of her father will push her to complete the 26 miles.

"I'm sure when it starts to get harder, around mile 17 or 18, I'll think of my dad," Lauren said. "It'll keep me going because since he can't run anymore, I'll run for him."

To support Lauren in her fundraising efforts, visit www.lungchicago.org/laurensandman.

Skyline Plunge! Chicago 2011

Mother rappels to honor her commitment to being smoke-free

When Betsy Sagala got pregnant with her twin daughters, she knew she couldn’t make any more excuses for smoking. She quit immediately and will celebrate her one year anniversary of being smoke-free by stepping over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Streets in Chicago.

Betsy is participating in Skyline Plunge! Chicago September 17 and 18, during which she will rappel 27 stories of theWit Hotel. The event is hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to raise awareness and funds for lung disease research, education and advocacy. Betsy said she’s not just rappelling to celebrate making a healthy choice for herself and her family, but also for family members who weren’t able to do the same.

“My grandfathers smoked and died from lung disease when I was young,” Betsy said. “One had his lung removed and I can still remember him set up in a bed in his dining room after the operation. It was so sad because he was such a great person.”

Betsy said since she’s quit smoking, she has more energy to play with her daughters and doesn’t have to feel left out from her groups of friends while she smokes. Most importantly, she’s looking forward to making a “really cool memory” during Skyline Plunge! as a reminder of how far she’s come.

To support Betsy’s fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/elizabethsagala.

Daughter rappels in memory of father

Two years ago, Maggie Moore’s perception of lung disease changed dramatically when her father went into in the hospital.

 “I used to think that respiratory diseases – COPD, lung cancer – were something only smokers got,” Maggie said. “But people who didn’t smoke are affected by lung disease, too. My father never smoked and he passed away from lung cancer.”

Al Moore was diagnosed with lung cancer in December of 2008, just as Maggie returned home to Michigan from North Carolina. Because of friction between them, they hadn’t spoken much since her high school graduation. But all of that changed when Maggie’s father pulled into the driveway at her mother’s house barely able to walk. Few people will say something good came out of a loved one’s death, but Maggie says lung cancer granted her and her father a second chance at a close relationship.

To honor her father, Maggie signed up for Skyline Plunge! Chicago on Sunday, September 18, during which she will rappel 27 stories of theWit Hotel. The event is hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to raise awareness and funds for lung disease research, education and advocacy.

During Plunge!, Maggie will be thinking about her father’s battle with cancer. After being rushed to the hospital, doctors told Al that his chest cavity was filled with fluid and one of his lungs had collapsed. After a surgery to re-expand his lung, he was relieved to hear he’d simply had an infection. His spirits stayed high until one week later, when several oncologists entered his hospital room and told him he had stage IV lung cancer.

“We were so surprised because my father didn’t smoke, and we had no history of cancer in our family,” said Maggie, of Chicago. “He was 69, which is young, and he still had the body, mind and health of someone in their early ’50s.”

Al was optimistic, though, and only took medical leave from his job as a prison guard in Detroit. He completed chemotherapy in the summer of 2009, but unfortunately, after several months, a CT scan showed the cancer had returned. Soon after that, large bumps formed on his back, a sign the cancer had spread to his spine. He passed away in March 2010.

Maggie had planned to return to North Carolina after one week in Michigan, but instead she took a six-week leave of absence from work and stayed with her father through his treatments. From the moment he turned to her and asked what was wrong, she knew she couldn’t leave.

“It was the start of many conversations in the hospital,” Maggie said. “For the first time in my life, we were able to see each other more clearly. I was able to see and appreciate everything he did for me and see how proud he was of me. His coworkers loved him, and I was surprised they knew so much about me.”

Maggie’s father also felt the cancer was taking on a larger role in his life than just making him sick.

“He said to my mom, ‘If getting cancer meant bringing me closer to my daughter, then it was worth it,’ ” Maggie said.

Doing something exhilarating such as stepping over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Streets is the best way to remember her dad, Maggie said, since they never got to fulfill their dream of going tandem sky diving.

“My dad would be doing what I’m doing if he were here and healthy,” Maggie said. “He was going to live his life to the fullest that he could.”

To support Maggie’s fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/maggiemoore.

 Wife to rappel in honor of deceased husband

Fred Fishman wasn’t afraid of much. Anytime “Mustang Sally” was played at a social gathering, he’d jump on stage to steal the microphone and the show while friends vied to be backup singers. When golfing, he’d play the holes in his own order, based on availability. He even stepped out in front of thousands at Wrigley Field to throw the game’s first pitch.

For all Fred had no qualms about, there was one thing that terrified him: heights. So September 17 when his wife, MaryAnne Fishman, steps over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Streets to rappel theWit Hotel, she’ll be thinking of her husband the whole way down. MaryAnne is participating in the Skyline Plunge! Chicago in memory of Fred, who passed away from respiratory failure in February 2009.

Fred developed Stage 1 Hodgkins Disease in August 2008. After completing chemotherapy, he developed a fatal complication from one of the chemotherapy agents, which severely damaged his lungs. He was admitted to the hospital and placed on a respirator, but passed away shortly afterwards during the Fishman’s 32^nd year of marriage.

When reminiscing about Fred, MaryAnne and their daughters, Lauren and Bryce, like to discuss all of the things he did to cram “124 years of living” into the 62 years he was alive. He was an emergency physician at Lincoln Park Hospital and the “Rock Doc,” often caring for rock stars performing in Chicago. He raised two daughters and kept in touch with countless friends. People who were close to him would tease that he should write a book, "Marriage by Fred Fishman,” because of the special relationship he and his wife had.

“Fred supported me in anything I wanted to do,” said MaryAnne, a River Forest resident for 30 years. “I still draw on his encouragement.”

Remembering Fred’s unceasing encouragement and love for life convinced MaryAnne to participate in the Plunge!, where she will rappel 27 stories of theWit Hotel. Hosted by the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the event raises funds and awareness for lung disease research, advocacy and education. MaryAnne’s plunge is also a special reason for family and friends to join together and do good in Fred’s honor.

“I just loved him so much and wanted to do something in his memory,” MaryAnne said. “So many people have contributed to this cause and a lot of it is because of who he was.”

To support MaryAnne’s fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/maryannefishman.

Sisters plunge in honor of family members

Justin, Amy and their twin daugthers Atzi and Quetzalli with their aunt, Rina.

A day at the park – a relaxing outing for most families – usually causes anxiety for Amy Campbell-Brissette. If her 2-year-old twin daughters gleefully chase other children on the playground, she can’t allow herself to fully enjoy the moment. They may be giggling and carefree, but the worry that their excitement might lead to a life-threatening asthma episode is always in the back of her mind.

“Just the other day we were at a park and were able to stay longer than we have in a while,” said Amy, of Chicago. “My daughters were happily playing with another boy and suddenly I panicked, realizing I’d forgotten their quick-relief inhalers. My mind started racing to think of nearby pharmacies, wondering if they’d give us medicine if there was an emergency.”

This summer’s heat and humidity has been uncomfortable and dangerous for Amy and her daughters, who all have asthma. Their recent trip to the park was the first in a long time that didn’t cause them to go back inside coughing and gasping for air.

“This whole summer I’ve felt like a prisoner in my house, a prisoner to the nebulizer,” Amy said.

Amy’s daughters, Quetzalli and Atzi, were diagnosed with asthma when they were 1 year old. She gives them Pulmicort steroid treatments twice daily for about 15 to 20 minutes with a nebulizer, a machine that administers the medication directly into their lungs in a mist form through a respiratory mask.  This summer their asthma flare-ups required Pulmicort treatments three times a day and albuterol treatments every four hours. They’ve visited the doctor for extra treatments several times this summer, and once had to be treated at the emergency room. But nothing can compare to last New Year’s Eve, when Atzi was hospitalized for respiratory distress caused by a viral infection. It’s a memory that still causes Amy to break down in tears.

“The hospital staff said they couldn’t do anything for her. The nurse said they thought she’d given up,” Amy said. “Atzi went limp and her heart rate was racing.” Fortunately, she was transferred to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and recovered after five days.

Rina Campbell, of Evanston, has been with her sister and nieces for all of the health scares, so when she heard about Skyline Plunge! Chicago, she suggested they do it together. The sisters will rappel 27 stories of theWit Hotel on Saturday, September 17. The event is hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to raise awareness and funds for lung disease research, education and advocacy.

Rina is participating in Plunge! to honor her favorite uncle and grandfather who passed away from lung disease, and to teach her children a life lesson.

“I want my kids to see even though you’re scared of something, there are things more important than my own fear, like building awareness around respiratory health and air quality,” Rina said. 

Amy said the memory of her family members was the initial catalyst for her, too, but after such a trying summer with the girls and their asthma, her focus has changed.

“At first I was doing it for my family members affected by lung cancer, but now I’m doing it for my girls,” Amy said. “They’re the ones who are still alive and have to deal with lung disease every day. I hope something good comes of this, either through the programs the association holds or the education and outreach. They can make things easier for everyone, but especially for the kids.”

To support Amy’s fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/amycampbell-brissette.

Mother to step over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Streets

Denise Cushaney, left, with her friend and fellow Plunge participant Elise Linker.

On September 18, when Denise Cushaney steps over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Streets, she’ll be thinking about how her father’s 62nd birthday should have been celebrated the day before.

Her father passed away in 2009 after he was diagnosed with lung cancer one year earlier. A lifelong smoker, Gary Cushaney underwent heart surgery a few times and faced other health problems. Denise and her siblings watched helplessly as he repeatedly struggled to quit smoking to regain his health.

“It was horrible to lose him,” Denise said. “It could have been avoided, but smoking was just always a crutch for him. I’m 38, and I should still have my dad. I have kids, and they should have their grandpa.”

After her father’s death, Cushaney and her family members became very aware of the health-related choices they were making.

“Most people in my extended family have quit smoking now,” she said. “It’s sad it had to happen, but losing my dad has helped them make healthier decisions.”

For her part, Denise began to participate in programs that support tobacco prevention or lung disease research and advocacy. This fall, Denise will rappel 27 stories down theWit Hotel as part of Skyline Plunge! Chicago, a fundraising event for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The event will raise awareness and more than $110,000 for lung disease research, education and advocacy.

Denise won’t be alone as she steps off the edge of theWit. Her friend Elise Linker will rappel, too, and her mother and children will be cheering her on from the sidewalk. Afterward, she plans to take her family to Navy Pier or Lincoln Park Zoo, “something we would have done with my father,” Denise said.

By rappelling, Denise hopes to raise awareness of the importance of quitting smoking or never starting to smoke. She said she would also like to see more research done for lung cancer, which is the number one cause of cancer death in the United States.

“It bothers me that our medically-advanced country hasn’t caught up to fighting a leading cause of death,” Denise said.

Denise added that she encourages smokers to quit now to decrease their chance of being diagnosed with lung cancer later. She’s witnessed several family members do so and looks forward to the healthy futures they hope to enjoy.

To support Denise’s rappel or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/denisecushaney.

Mother to rappel 278 feet in honor of son

When two-and-a-half-year-old Carter Howard meets a doctor, he immediately smiles and lifts up his shirt.
"He always does that because he's so used to doctors checking his breathing," his mom, Monique Howard, explained with a laugh. "Sometimes I'll have to tell him, ‘That's a dentist. You don't need to show him your chest.' "

While Carter may be content during his many trips to doctors, his parents Brad and Monique are often worried. As a young child with asthma, Carter has been to the ER many times and hospitalized twice. About every other month, it's typical for him to need more medical help than just the breathing treatments he has three times a day with a nebulizer, which sends a mist of medicine into his lungs.

"What triggers Carter's asthma are colds, and it can be really difficult because children his age always have colds," Monique said. "I hate to dramatize it, but every play date I go to, if a child has a cough, it could put Carter in the hospital. To us, germs are not just germs. They become more dangerous."

If Carter has an asthma attack that cannot be relieved even when his parents are having him take nebulizer treatments every hour, he has to go to the doctor. There, they sometimes give him steroids and it takes several hours before the Howards can see a difference in his breathing.

"It's been difficult as a parent, because you want to alleviate any problems your child has," Monique said. "Steroids take six hours to kick in, and it's a very precarious six hours, just waiting and hoping they'll work."

In honor of her son, Monique Howard will go to new lengths to raise funds for lung health research, advocacy and education in Chicago. The adventure-seeker will rappel theWit Hotel September 18, 2011, as part of Skyline Plunge! Chicago. Hosted by and benefitting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Skyline Plunge! participants step over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Streets and will raise more than $110,000.

Monique and Brad have had asthma since their teenage years, so they were supporters of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago before Carter was born. However, watching their son struggle with asthma strengthened their commitment to helping people living with lung disease.

In Carter's case, his asthma may become more manageable as he gets older, although Monique said there's the possibility he will always have complications from it. While she is lucky to have resources to help their son regain his health after each asthma episode, many other children may not have the same access to medical resources. Monique said her knowledge of that, and watching helplessly as Carter has an asthma attack, were what pushed her to take the plunge.

"The majority of the people do Skyline Plunge! for more personal reasons and to raise more funds for the association, and I wanted to join them," Monique said. "My family is so blessed because we have a lot of access to healthcare, but I know there are people with less access or healthcare that is not as good. I also wanted to do this because the Respiratory Health Association sponsors asthma research and education for the inner city."

To support Monique's fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/moniquehoward.

Kelsey Kamp to plunge in honor of grandfather

As a longtime CTA rider, Kelsey Kamp was frustrated the day she boarded the wrong CTA train and got off at the wrong stop to transfer. She’d set herself back an hour and couldn’t believe her absentmindedness. She was stewing when she got off the El, but her mood shifted when she looked up. ‘Maybe the mistake hadn’t been for nothing,’ she thought, as she read a sign on theWit Hotel advertising the chance to step over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Street.

Skyline Plunge! Chicago, hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, raises funds for lung disease research, advocacy and education in Chicago. Kelsey loved the idea of rappelling 27 stories because it would be the perfect way to honor her grandfather, who passed away in 1993 from pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.

 “I was young when my grandpa passed away,” Kelsey said, “but for several years I’d watched him suffer and not be able to breathe. It really made an impact on me.”

Carl Chappell was a longtime resident of Jacksonville, Ill., and Kelsey can still remember many of his good qualities, like how he doted on his granddaughters after having raised four sons.

“Born in the ’20s, he was definitely a product of his generation,” Kelsey said. “He was a frugal blue collar worker and a diehard Cubs fan. I just learned so much from him and all of the stories he told, like from when he served in World War II.”

Kelsey also learned the harms of smoking when she and her family discussed her grandfather’s disease. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema, which damaged air sacs in Carl’s lungs and made him progressively shorter of breath. Pulmonary fibrosis caused scarring to his lung tissue and his lungs slowly lost the ability to deliver oxygen to vital organs.

Since her first exposure to lung disease, Kelsey has met many other people who’ve also experienced it in some way. She is participating in Plunge! not just for her grandpa, but for them as well.  

“Lung health affects everyone, whether they realize it or not,” Kelsey said. “And more than anything, I think education about lung disease is really important. We need to know more about the causes, effects and treatments.”

To help RHAMC reach a fundraising goal of $110,000 through Skyline Plunge!, Kelsey automatically knew at what number to set her fundraising goal: $1,993, in honor of the year her grandfather passed away. Friends and family have generously donated to her, and she’s hoping to reach her set amount by the day she rappels theWit in September. There, she’ll be joined by family who will cheer her on and help remember Grandpa Carl.

To support Kelsey’s fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/kelseykamp.

Lauren LaViola – 27 Stories 

This poem was written by Lauren LaViola, who participated in Skyline Plunge! Chicago 2009 and is coming back for the 2011 event. Lauren rappelled in memory of her father, Larry, who passed away from lung cancer. Read her full story here.

27 Stories

You're crazy is what they say.
Why on earth would you do that, Lauren,
Please tell me that you get paid?

I don't get paid in cash I tell them,
If that's what you mean.
I get paid in other ways,
A payment that's unseen.

In a way that I can't explain.
Comfort knowing that I'm helping
Myself and others heal the pain.

A partner, parent or friend.
One that you always imagined
Would be with you til' the end.

No one asked for our permission.
So we step over the edge of theWit,
And raise money with just one mission.

That scientists diagnose lung disease quicker,
That they discover causes and find cures,
Before any more innocent get sicker.

Each floor down attached to only a rope,
I think of a happy memory with my dad,
Facing a terrible personal fear of heights,
He fills me with strength so that I'm not sad.

With fear filling their eyes.
Twenty seven stories indeed, I say,
And I'd go 100 more so no one else dies!

CowaLUNGa Bike Tour 2011

84-year-old cycles 60 miles for lung health

Ira Graham, 84, spent Saturday, Aug. 6, cycling 60 miles through Illinois and southern Wisconsin, a feat that would be an accomplishment at any age.

Ira, of Wilmette, participated in Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago’s CowaLUNGa Bike Tour to help raise funds and awareness for lung disease advocacy, education and research. He’s participated in the tour for several years and has long been a supporter of tobacco prevention. The cause became personal when his wife, Helen Baer Graham, was diagnosed with lung cancer 15 years ago.

“My wife went to see the doctor after she had difficulty climbing a hill in San Francisco,” Ira said. “The doctor did a chest X-ray and they later found it had spread to her nodes.”

Ira and Helen remained optimistic through her treatments. They took trips to some of their favorite places in the world and she, being a longtime volunteer at Evanston Hospital, offered encouragement to people she noticed were also struggling with their health. The couple set up scholarship funds at area colleges and Helen continued to paint – her work won commendations in local and regional contests.

Two years after Helen’s diagnosis, she passed away. It wasn’t just her family and friends who were affected; her absence was felt by many in Chicagoland who would miss the “Gingerbread Lady.”

“Every year, my wife would make thousands of cookies to hand out at Christmastime and she became known by that nickname,” Ira said. “When she died, several newspapers ran obituaries about the ‘Gingerbread Lady.’ ”

Ira describes his wife as a “beautiful, respected and intelligent woman.” After having lost someone so special to lung cancer, Ira became an advocate for smoking prevention and cessation programs. As a life insurance salesman, he offered discounts for nonsmokers before it was popular to do so. He was also vocal in his former hometown of Evanston about making all restaurants smoke-free.

Ira stays involved in efforts to extinguish smoking with his son Doug Graham, a board member for Respiratory Health Association. Ira said what he’d most like to see is more funds for lung cancer research, the largest cause of cancer deaths.

“I can’t believe such a leading cause of death is sometimes given so little thought,” he said.

One of his biggest yearly contributions is the energy he puts into CowaLUNGa, a one, two or three day bike tour from Gurnee, Illinois, to Hubertus, Wisconsin. Ira has been the oldest rider for several years but doesn’t plan on quitting any time soon. Just as with all of his past tobacco prevention efforts, he’ll push on until he sees a change has been made.

To support Ira in his fundraising efforts or offer words of encouragement, visit www.cowalunga.org/iragraham.

Former Naval officer joins CowaLUNGa Bike Tour in honor of his father

For a Naval officer, a change of command ceremony is momentous. So when Ed Martin was taking over command of a helicopter squadron in Norfolk, Va., he couldn’t be happier that his five siblings, mother and father were there.

Looking back at that celebration 15 years later, Ed still feels a sense of pride over that day, but it’s marked in his memory by something more than the ceremony. It was also the last thing his father, Ed Martin, attended before he passed away from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Ed’s father lived the last 10 years of his life with COPD but he managed to keep a relatively active schedule, probably due to his attitude. As a former Army officer in WWII, he was focused on the “mission” and getting through it.

“He would say, ‘this disease will kill me, but it’s not going to beat me,’ ” Ed said.

His father had been a smoker for many years, but quit when he was diagnosed with COPD. He refused to let the disease affect his life, although it did keep him from doing as much traveling as he used to. Fortunately, he was determined to take one final trip.

“He said to his doctor, ‘No matter what you do, make sure I’m able to go to my son’s ceremony,’ ” Ed said.

After the ceremony, his father was admitted to the hospital and passed away one week later. Ed is grateful they had time together as a family before that.

A recently retired Naval officer, Ed stays active by biking. In honor of his father, who was an “inspiration to his family,” he will participate in the CowaLUNGa Bike Tour August 6-8. The ride is a fundraiser held by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to raise money for lung disease research, advocacy and education.

“I see advances that have been made in COPD medicines over the last 10 years and I think if my dad had those things he might have lived an even better quality of life,” Ed said. “I know there’s a lot of research being done for COPD and Respiratory Health Association is great at promoting that.”

Ed will join more than 200 bikers at the starting line in Gurnee, Ill., to help raise more than $200,000. He heard about the ride from another former sailor, WWII veteran Ira Graham, and is looking forward to spending the day with his friend. He said he will be in good company with people willing to spend their weekend riding in a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association.
 
“It’s an honor for me to ride with people who are like-minded and feel it’s a good cause to raise money for various lung diseases,” Ed said.

To support Ed in his fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, go to www.lungchicago.org/edmartin.
 

Couples dedicate 15 years to CowaLUNGa Bike Tour

Ralph and Sara Bechtold and Bill and Dutch Stutz.

 For 15 years, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago has held a multi-day bike ride to raise money for its education, advocacy and research programs, and two couples have volunteered without fail. They say it’s the ride’s cause and 200 participants that are now like family that keep them coming back.

Bill and Dutch Stutz and Ralph and Sara Bechtold have either ridden in or volunteered with CowaLUNGa since its commencement. Now in their 70s, the couples return each year to set up rest areas, chaperone the route and pass on encouraging words to riders.

“They are the most dedicated, caring volunteers you can find,” said Niki Bartosiak, assistant director of Special Events at Respiratory Health Association. “They have spent countless hours supporting our riders along the route over many years of the event.They put the needs and safety of our riders above all else.”

CowaLUNGa evolved from BAMMI, “Bicycling Across the Magnificent Miles of Illinois,” which was held from 1982 to 1996. The two couples volunteered with BAMMI since its inception and stuck with CowaLUNGa since 1997. The Stutzes got involved with the Credit Union League, organizing the rest stops, and Dutch and their children also rode in the tour several times.

The Bechtolds were approached to help due to their interest in bicycling. Ralph drove along the route to offer riders any needed support. He stayed near the end of the route for the last rider, who, it turns out, was occasionally Dutch.

“I should have kept a diary of my rides because they were so hilarious,” Dutch said. “One time my friend and I got lost during the ride so we called the State Police. They told us to take I-55, so we rode on the highway right next to all of the traffic.”

The couples laugh about past rides, such as 1985’s “BAMMI to Hell and Back,” when every day’s average temperature was 105 degrees. They look forward to seeing what each year will offer and to meeting up with riders who’ve become like family, nearly all 300 of them. The riders and event staff look forward to seeing them, too.

“They are encouraging and inspiring,” Bartosiak said. “They really help bring the family atmosphere to the event.”

And no one can leave without hearing from Bill one last time.

“I always get on the buses the last night and thank everyone for coming,” Bill said. “And I always tell them we expect to see them back next year.”

However, the couples said there will soon be a year they don’t return. This will be Ralph and Sara’s last year volunteering, and Bill and Dutch plan to retire soon, though they can’t force themselves to make that call.

“I’ve thought about retiring, and then I thought, ‘I don’t want to quit,’ ” Bill said.

CowaLUNGa is something they can’t stay away from, and they think anyone else who tries it will catch the bug as well.

“If you’re any type of bike rider, you should ride it at least once,” Bill said.

To learn more about CowaLUNGa, go to www.cowalunga.org.
 

World Tuberculosis Day: Carlos

Carlos was sick. He was coughing up mucus, had night sweats, and was constantly exhausted. He had gone to a clinic on the city's South Side where he was diagnosed with pneumonia and sent home with antibiotics. But he didn't feel any better, and though he returned to the clinic a few times over the next several months, he was told that he would eventually feel better.

For the next four months, Carlos struggled. He dragged himself to the hospital, hardly able to walk. As he was waiting to be seen in the emergency department, a doctor passed his bed and recognized his condition immediately. Carlos was taken into isolation and tests confirmed that he had tuberculosis (TB).

Carlos was just one of the 372 people diagnosed with TB in Illinois in 2010. Though the number of cases has been steadily declining over the last decade, TB is still a public health concern in Chicago, Illinois and the United States.

Although tuberculosis can be cured, there are several barriers to getting treatment. The populations hit hardest by TB can be difficult to reach, including people who use drugs, are homeless or are born outside of the United States. Like Carlos, some people are misdiagnosed or untreated for months. TB also carries a stigma, which prevents many people from seeking treatment.

"I never thought that I would get TB," Carlos said. "But I can't worry about how I got it. Because getting TB isn't the problem; treating it is."

Because his TB had gone untreated for so long and his condition was so severe, Carlos was hospitalized for four months and two weeks. When his sputum test finally came up negative, he was released. He takes medication daily and a medical case manager regularly visits him as he works to get back on his feet, but he's tired often and his medications make him feel sick.

"I'm very, very grateful that there is a network like this, something to catch people like me, who don't have insurance and are indigent when they get TB," Carlos said. "I was living out of my car, not eating well, not sleeping well. I had a perfect storm to incubate this disease." 

On March 24, the Metropolitan Chicago Tuberculosis Coalition will host its 11th annual World TB Day celebration. The event brings together TB educators, advocates and community health providers to discuss TB prevention, treatment and awareness efforts in the city. Keynote speaker Sundari Mase, MD, MPH, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will discuss current treatments and projections for the future of treating and managing tuberculosis. Other speakers, symposiums and discussions will cover how to catch missed cases of TB, raising awareness for TB prevention and treatment, and methods to treating multi-drug resistant and extremely drug resistant TB. 

To learn more about TB, visit our Tuberculosis pages. 

Hustle Up the Hancock

February 27, 2011

Jon Adams hustles up the Hancock to honor son

Most people don't think about celebrating their 40th birthday participating in athletic events, but Jon Adams, of Elmhurst, Ill., knew that he wanted to take part in one with a charitable cause. He came across Hustle Up the Hancock, a stair climb fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

He knew it was the kind of event he'd been looking for, and the fact that the event was local gave him the chance to invite more of his friends to join in. Raising money for a lung health organization also struck a personal cord with Jon; he and his wife, Melinda, have a little boy with asthma.

"I thought this would be a great way for us to do something to make him feel good about what he's doing," Jon said about his son. "I wanted to be able to give Jonny a pat on the back, to show him that he's got support."

Jon Paul, their son, is 3½ years old. Like most kids his age, he is as active as he can be. Jon says he loves climbing, running, jumping and playing a lot of football. But, as a child with asthma, Jon Paul is hit hard by colds that other kids would brush off, and he stays up at night coughing if he doesn't take medicine.

In December 2008, Jon Paul was diagnosed with asthma after going to the emergency room for heavy wheezing. He started a therapy regiment that wasn't right for him, and as a result he was in and out of the emergency room.

"The first asthma attack was very frightening," said Jon. "Those three trips to the ER helped us learn the maintenance part of it. We also went to other websites, including Respiratory Health Association's, and now instead of being in crisis mode, we were able to get ourselves educated and more in managing mode."

Now, Jon Paul is on a twice daily regimen of inhaled steroids and his asthma is well controlled; his parents are able to manage asthma symptoms before he has an asthma emergency. With their recent success, Hustle Up the Hancock seemed like the next step in supporting Jon Paul.

"We haven't been to the ER in over a year-that's a huge success for us," said Jon. "The pain in the butt is getting our 3-year-old to sit down for treatment, which can be four sessions of 30 minutes each if he has an infection. It's not a lot of fun for a little guy."

To show support in his patience with asthma, Jon and seven of his friends and family members, Jon Paul's "uncles," will take on the climb as part of Team JP. One of his supporters, Uncle James, will be flying in from California to take part.

"It's about my son for all these people," said Jon. "Everyone has gotten enthusiastic about it."

Jon Paul, seeing his dad training, is well-aware of what his family is doing for him, and when asked how he feels about it Jon said that his son is "sad that he won't be able to participate."

"Every time I talk to him he says, ‘I'm going to do it too, right?'" said Jon. "It's very cute."

Jon has been training for the 94-floor full climb since August, running up and down 10 flights of stairs at work "for fun" and jogging a couple times a week. His motivation stems from the support he knows he's giving his son, along with his goal of raising funds for furthering research and education when it comes to asthma.

"I just think that education is 95 percent of the game with asthma," said Jon. "There are effective treatments now, but we need more education on how to recognize symptoms and manage what's happening. For me, that is most important: having people who are around my son in particular be well-educated about what the warning signs of an asthma attack are and what to do when symptoms occur."

Team JP will climb the John Hancock Center on February 27, 2011, in the 14th annual Hustle Up the Hancock. As a Lung Health Champion, Jon is dedicated to raising $1,000 for Respiratory Health Association. In all, the event will raise more than $1 million to support local lung health research, advocacy and education.

"After seeing a 3-year-old go through the daily treatments and regiment of what he has to do, if we can offer him encouragement and let him know that his family and his uncles support him, that's all I need," Jon said.

To support Team JP, visit www.lungchicago.org/teamjp. To learn more about Hustle Up the Hancock, visit the official page.

Rachel Cano Allen climbs Hancock to honor dad, self

This is our story. I say "our" story because this climb isn't just about me. My battle with lung disease is over, but unfortunately my father's isn't over yet.

My parents came to the United States from the Philippines in the early 1970s. My brother and I were born and raised in Chicago, and though now I live in North Carolina, I still think of the city as home.

My parents were hardworking people, but we didn't have much money. My dad was a machine operator at a factory in the city, and that's where his problems began. At work, he was exposed to a lot of chemicals to keep the machines running. They didn't have masks or anything, so the chemicals started to destroy his lungs. It didn't help that he had been smoking since he was just 11 years old, but the combination of smoke and chemicals snowballed his lung problems.

I remember 1988 was a very hard year. My dad was admitted to the hospital because he had tuberculosis (TB). TB itself is not easy to fight off, and his already damaged lungs couldn't handle it well. So the TB lingered on for a couple of years and, as a result, my dad had to quit his job.

I spent the summer of 1990 helping take care of my dad. He was home from the hospital, but he had a lot of doctors' appointments. He was coughing quite a bit and felt weak most days. Sometimes he couldn't get up to prepare food for himself, so I had to do it for him.

That summer was when my own trouble started. First it was just coughing, and I tried to brush it off, thinking it was a cold and I would get over it soon. I tried hiding it from my parents, but I think my dad knew something was going on. I came home from school absolutely exhausted, and then I started having night sweats.

Finally came the night that I awoke coughing up so much phlegm that I had to run to the bathroom. But it wasn't just phlegm; I was coughing blood into the sink. I didn't notice that my dad had sneaked into the bathroom right behind me.

"That's it," he told me. "I'm taking you to the doctor tomorrow."

Everything was a whirlwind the next morning from the physical exam to the chest X-rays to the TB tests. To my 12-year-old eyes, my chest X-ray looked really smoky, and the doctor said she has never seen anything like it.

The staff at the clinic were furious, and I remember the doctor yelling at my father because he didn't take me in sooner, and she said I would have died if he had waited any longer to bring me in. I have never seen anyone row at my father like that, and when she finished with him she turned to me. After a few minutes of yelling, I had enough.

"OK we get the picture," I said. "Now can I get my treatment, or are you going to keep yelling at us and delay me from taking my medication?"

I was mad at the medical staff for treating us that way. I knew that my father felt bad for not taking me in sooner, but it was my own fault that I did not take the initiative to tell him I was feeling so sick. In the end, I was in treatment for TB for the next two years, and I finished just before I started high school.

My father's battle wasn't over yet, though. He was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a result of the damage his lungs endured from smoking and chemical exposure. But he kept smoking until 1996 when the doctor gave him an ultimatum: stop smoking or die. It took a year before he was finally able to wean himself off of cigarettes, but he did it.

He's been smoke-free for 14 years now, but he still has respiratory problems. He was recently hospitalized for a bout of pneumonia, and he's still battling COPD. He's on oxygen on an as-needed basis, and he's on medications to control his symptoms. Although he is at retirement age, he insists on continuing to work even though my brother and I insist that we would help take care of him. I think he feels guilty.

But out of the experience came some positives. Through my diagnosis with TB and experience volunteering at a hospital, I realized the importance of empathy in healthcare, and now I work as a nursing assistant. I take patients' plights seriously, and I do my best to make people feel at ease even in stressful situations.

I came across Respiratory Health Association in 2010, and the wonderful things that the organization is doing to promote respiratory health, and I can't thank them enough. I joined Hustle Up the Hancock to honor my father and all that he has done for me, and to promote the awareness of respiratory health.

To support Rachel in her climb, visit her personal fundraising page.

On Sun., Feb. 27, Ann Baker climbed 94 floors as part of Hustle Up the Hancock, a stair climb fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Though more than 4,000 people climbed that day, few can say that they did so despite having stage IV lung cancer.

Ann was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in 2007. Since then, she has become a strong advocate for people living with lung cancer - the number one cancer killer of men and women.

"While I did not invite cancer into my life, I do take the lesson seriously," Ann said. "I fight for my kids' sake as well as my own. I've got more yet to do here."

It started with her diagnosis. When initially telling people that she had lung cancer, everyone asked her if she smoked - which she never did. Still, for Ann, having lung cancer was far more important than how it came about. And the negativity around the disease only made it harder for her to stay positive about recovering.

"When medical personnel repeatedly asked me if I wanted information on a living will, I finally asked for information on the Will to Live!" Ann said.

In April 2010, Ann traveled to Washington, D.C, to garner support for the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act. Currently waiting to be re-introduced, the act would make lung cancer a national public health priority and fund vital research to find better methods to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

"I benefit from newer, less invasive and better result medication because people started working on newer therapies and maintenance methods," Ann said. "Luckily, I have excellent insurance, but the number of people I meet that can't afford the newer drugs just breaks my heart. This needs to change."

For the past year, Ann has been taking an oral chemotherapy medication that has reduced her cancer cells and kept her going. She's kept working and stays active with her family.

"I can't ask for a better support team from a medical, work, home, family and friends perspective," Ann said. "I am fortunate to live in the Chicago area where excellent medical facilities and personnel work and conduct research."

Ann competed in her first Hustle Up the Hancock in 2010. At the time, she signed up for the event's half climb of 52 floors. But as she crossed the finish line into the John Hancock Observatory, she knew she could have done more.

This year, Ann climbed the full 94 floors beside six coworkers and five friends as part of the Breathe Right® Team. Ann and her dear friend Wendy finished the climb arm-in-arm.

"She walked every step of those 1,632 stairs beside me, though I'm certain she could have done it faster on her own," Ann said. "For her, it's not about the performance, it's about the purpose."

The same goes for Ann. In her two years climbing as a Lung Health Champion, Ann has raised more than $16,000 to support Respiratory Health Association's local research, advocacy and education.

"I'm so very thankful to have found this network of people working on behalf of curing lung illnesses," Ann said. "As threatened and low as I felt when initially being told I had stage IV lung cancer, working to fight it for me and others has brought satisfaction beyond measure. "

To offer words of encouragement or make a donation, visit www.lungchicago.org/annbaker.

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Gurnee Fire Fighters climb Hancock for Meg

Hank Chamberlain, of Gurnee, Ill., has been looking forward to doing Hustle Up the Hancock in support of his wife of 14 years, Meg, a double lung transplant recipient. He's known about the climb, a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, for years now, but this will be his first year climbing-the year that counts.

"This climb is for her," said Hank. "To show support for her strength and to educate my group of friends and everyone about the importance of organ donation."

In her 20s, Meg was diagnosed with bronchiectasis, a rare disease in which damage to the airways causes them to widen and become distorted. After 22 years of coughing up mucus, not being able to laugh without wheezing and major allergies, Meg received two new lungs from a young man named Dino.

In September 2010, Meg was diagnosed with stage III chronic rejection. The doctors told her that she would have up to 12 months to live.

Meg had been down before. After her transplant, she was unable to eat and needed a feeding tube in order to survive. Her doctors told her she would never eat again, but nine months later, she proved the doctors wrong and was enjoying eating normally again. Meg hopes to prove the doctors wrong again about her diagnosis and dreams of living a normal life being able to breathe again.

Meg's family was the first to know about the diagnosis. Her children, all three of whom adopted, were devastated to hear the news. Her youngest son wanted to move back home. Even her daughter, who is presently eight months pregnant with Meg's first grandson, wanted to drop everything she was doing to help.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster for all of us," Hank said about his wife's health.

Meg's disease causes her to get tired very quickly from even the smallest physical activity. She gets a terrible cough and finds that she has trouble breathing, sometimes gasping for air when she's moving around. She can no longer do basic daily tasks and sometimes has trouble even walking around her home.

Nowadays, Meg stays home. When she does move around her home, she requires a high flow oxygen mask to help supplement her breathing.

Meg doesn't know if another transplant is right for her, but she is keeping her options open. For now, she has been receiving a treatment called photophersis that will slow the progression of the disease.

It won't be a cure, but if the new treatment works Meg will gain more time to live, helping her reach year nine with these new lungs, a personal goal of hers, along with meeting her husband and the team at the top of the Hancock and witnessing the birth of her very first grandson.

"Mostly, I just want to be around my family," said Meg. "I am strong and have the will to fight my diagnosis because of the strength, love and support that I receive from my family, friends and support network. I want to be able to see my first grandson in January and then be at the top of the Hancock to see my husband and his friends in February. Right now, it's just one goal at a time."

Meg stays optimistic with help from a great support group. Hank, her husband, has gathered up 10 of his fellow firefighter friends to join him this year at Hustle Up the Hancock. The team has dubbed themselves, "Gurnee Fire Fighters Breathing Hard for Meg."

"The guys are definitely onboard," said Hank. "And they've been onboard since before the registration. A lot of them have helped transport Meg to the hospital on numerous occasions. Many of them have even become organ donors themselves. The support has been overwhelming."

Gurnee Firefighters Breathing Hard for Meg will take the climb on Feb. 27, 2010 and hope to raise $10,000 for awareness efforts for organ donation and further lung research, advocacy and education for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

To support Gurnee Firefighters Breathing Hard for Meg, visit www.lungchicago.org/breathinghardformeg. To learn more about Hustle Up the Hancock, visit the official site. 

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Firefighters to Hustle Up the Hancock: North Shore Hell Climbers

On Feb. 27, 2011, five firefighters will join together to take on Hustle Up the Hancock, a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Together, as team North Shore Hell Climbers, they will climb up 94 floors of the John Hancock Center to raise awareness and funds for lung disease research, advocacy and education.

Lung disease hits firefighters particularly hard. By the nature of running into smoke-filled environments, their lungs are exposed to dangerous fumes on a regular basis and as a result, many firefighters develop lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and asthma.

Martin Joyce is a member of the Winnetka Fire Department and is co-captain of the North Shore Hell Climbers this year. He will be climbing for the first time to honor people living with lung disease.

"The event, to me, represents helping people in bad health with lung disease," said Martin.

He is also climbing in memory of the 343 firefighters lost during the Sept. 11 attacks and for the firefighters who developed lung diseases from breathing in smoke, toxic chemicals and powdered particle matter at ground zero.

"I took my very first exam six months before September 11," said Martin, who remembers the many years of dedication and hard work it took to become a full-time firefighter. "This climb is a tribute to the firefighters who were lost on that day."

Research from a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine has proven that firefighters who were present at ground zero between Sept. 11 and Sept. 24 had a 10 percent drop in lung function and health a year after the attack. The smoke they were exposed to included traces of burning jet fuel, pulverized glass, asbestos and a number of toxic chemicals. Many of these firefighters (30 or 40 percent) showed reoccurring symptoms of coughing, wheezing, sore throat, sinus drip or shortness of breath, and 20 percent developed asthma or chronic bronchitis, qualifying for respiratory disability.

Each year, teams of firefighters, such as the North Shore Hell Climbers, help raise awareness for lung health by climbing up the Hancock. Their dedication to those lost on Sept. 11 and those continuing to live with the after effects of working at ground zero are proven by their determination and strength.

To support the North Shore Hell Climbers, visit their official fundraising page.

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Amy Pokras Hustles Up the Hancock to keep her parents' memories alive

Amy Pokras

Amy's mom, daughter and son.

On Feb. 27, Amy Pokras of Oak Park will take on Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94 floor stair climb fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

"Of all the causes that I support respiratory health has been the one with the biggest impact in my life," said Amy. "And in terms of a cause that was near and dear to my heart, this is a good way to focus my energy and make something positive come out of a difficult year."

In December 2010, Amy lost her mother, Cyrille, to lung cancer. The loss struck Amy deeply; she was an only child and her mother was her only surviving parent. It was also Amy's second loss to lung disease.

Her father, Donald, passed away in 1992 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Since birth, Donald had congenital spine defects (scoliosis and kyphosis) that compressed his torso, severely restricting the amount of space in which his lungs could expand.

This condition contributed significantly to his COPD. Told by his doctor in 1962 (several years before the Surgeon General's warning) that quitting smoking might increase his life expectancy and improve the quality of his life, Donald quit a three-pack-a-day habit cold turkey. He never smoked again.

Despite having a significant physical abnormality and compromised breathing, Donald lived life to its fullest. He worked in the shipyards during World War II, and later as an industrial chemist. In 1969, he was put on a nebulizer and took three to four treatments daily for the rest of his life. In 1979, he started home oxygen therapy at night. In 1989, he started oxygen full time.

Until his very last days, Donald stayed as physically active as possible. He rode a stationary bike daily to keep his lungs healthy and earned a brown belt in Judo. He worked full time as a chemist until his last illness, carting an oxygen tank to work and using his lunch breaks to take nebulizer treatments. He was a man who wouldn't let people tell him what he couldn't do. When asked what her father might say if he knew she was doing Hustle Up the Hancock, Amy gave a small laugh.

"He would say, ‘I'm going to Hustle with you,'" said Amy. "He would have figured out a way to do the whole thing, even if it meant he had to strap on an oxygen tank to his back."

By contrast, Cyrille, at 76 years old, was in better health. But in March 2010, she had a stroke that rendered her unable to walk. "She'd never been as determined as my dad," said Amy. "But she was not going to let the stroke be the end of her."

Cyrille worked hard in rehabilitation, to go from having two nurses help her walk 25 feet to walking one-tenth of a mile on her own. After such a significant recovery, in early summer 2010 Cyrille found herself back in the emergency room battling pneumonia. A bronchoscopy revealed the unthinkable: smoke-free for at least 45 years, Cyrille was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer.

As she began radiation treatment, Cyrille maintained her independence with fierce determination. "She was still doing the same things," said Amy. "Seeing her grandkids, getting her mail, playing Scrabble and reading. She still had her quirky sense of humor."

In December, Cyrille passed away. Shortly after that, Amy heard a radio ad and realized she wanted to participate in Hustle Up the Hancock. She'd heard about the event for years, but after the most recent events in her life, she knew this was finally the year.

"It struck me once again how affected my family has been by the lack of respiratory health," said Amy.

In addition to her parents' diagnoses of COPD and lung cancer, Amy and her son Zachary, each have asthma. Fortunately, by managing their triggers and understanding their symptoms, Amy and Zachary are able to maintain active lifestyles. When Amy takes on those 94 floors of the John Hancock Center, she'll be ready physically and emotionally.

"I just hope to keep my parents' memories alive," said Amy. "That's why I'm doing this: to make sure people remember them and what they went through so that other people's journeys are easier. If you can't breathe, you can't really do anything else."

Amy has already raised more than $5,900 in support of lung health research, advocacy and education, and will continue to raise funds up until the day of the event. To support Amy, visit www.lungchicago.org/amypokras.

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Nurse Rebekah Worden inspired by patients to climb Hancock

Rebekah Worden of Chicago is pumped for her second year participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a fundraising event for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. She and 35 of her coworkers will take on 94 floors of the John Hancock Center on Feb. 27, 2011 as part of the Northwestern Memorial Hospital team.

An oncology nurse, Rebekah, climbs in support of her patients who inspire her. She has been fortunate enough to work closely with them and their doctors, and has found through the process that her own life has been touched by these individuals.

"It really grounds you," said Rebekah. "It changes your perspective being around these people with lung cancer and the people working with them, and makes your job more than just a job. It becomes something you care about and something you're passionate about. It makes you want to do more for them. It's a really good feeling."

Rebekah's focus in this year's climb is to raise awareness about one of the main causes of lung cancer. She wants to showcase how terrible cigarettes are and how harmful they are to the body. She says she wants to "stop lung cancer at its source."

"With lung cancer, we see it after it's too far along and developed," said Rebekah. "But if we were able to educate others about the harms of cigarettes and smoking, and find supporting research to back it up, we could cut it off before it even starts."

Rebekah also hopes that others will be able to learn something from the event, saying that, "I hope at a minimum it will make people step back and think about what they are doing to their lungs, and that it will highlight the people who are living with lung disease every day."

In that belief, Rebekah is not alone, and it shows in the excitement from her teammates. Last year, the enthusiasm and commitment from her team geared her up to join in, and this year is no different.

Rebekah and the Northwestern Memorial Hospital team will be at the Hancock with matching T-shirts, a booth and physicians available to talk about lung cancer and lung health. The team has already raised more than $3,000 toward their goal of $1,200 in support of lung health research, advocacy and education.

"There are nurses and doctors on the team," said Rebekah. "It's inspiring to see all these people who care, and continue to care so much about the cause. It's a nice reminder and I'm glad to be a part of it."

To support Rebekah and the Northwestern Memorial Hospital's team, visit their official fundraising page.

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Hike for Lung Health

October 3, 2010

Team Ed hikes for lung health, honors lung donor

On October 3, Ed Kuhn, his family and friends participated in Hike for Lung Health, a multi-charity fundraising walk to support the lung health community.

For Ed, raising awareness and funds for lung disease is personal. Ed has pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes lung tissue to thicken and scar to the point that the lungs can no longer function. In 2008, he received a double lung transplant that saved his life. Coincidentally, Hike for Lung Health fell on the 31-month anniversary of his transplant.

"After being diagnosed early in 2005, I looked for support to deal with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis and found the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation," said Ed. "Their help and support made it possible for my family and me to come to grips with this typically terminal disease. The doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Chicago Hospitals brought me to the point of transplant."

Ed's son Larry, a Glenview resident, came out with his family to support his dad and to honor Devon Carter, Ed's donor.

"The gift of life was made possible with the lungs from my donor Devon Carter and his family," Ed said. "We walked to honor all of those mentioned so far and in memory of all those who were unable to have a transplant. We walked to raise money for research, so that transplant will no longer be the only option."

Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Hike for Lung Health is a 1-mile or 3-mile walk through Lincoln Park to support one of 11 lung health partners. Ed's team raised more than $1,400 to support Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Overall, the event has raised more than $115,000.

To support Team Ed, visit their official team page. To learn more about Hike for Lung Health, visit the official site. 

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On October 3, 2010, Gail Sopron and her family participated in Hike for Lung Health, a multi-charity fundraising walk to support the lung health community.

For Gail, raising awareness and funds for lung disease is a personal mission. Gail lost her father-in-law, Paul Sopron, to pulmonary fibrosis on October 4, 2009. Hike for Lung Health was just one day shy of the anniversary of his death, and Gail and her family used the event to celebrate Paul's life as "Team Popsie-Doodle," in honor of a nickname for Paul.

Walking the 1-mile route beside Gail were Paul’s wife Mary Kay and his daughter, Debbie Glowacki with her husband Ron and son Geoff, and Paul’s youngest daughter, Kay Dean with her husband Bob.

Pulmonary fibrosis causes lung tissue to thicken and scar to the point that the lungs can no longer function. There is no cure for the disease, but it can be managed if it is caught early enough. Gail and her family are committed to raising awareness and funds so that no other family endures a loss like theirs.

Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Hike for Lung Health is a 1-mile or 3-mile walk through Lincoln Park to support one of 11 lung health partners. Gail's team raised more than $800 to support Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Overall, the event has raised more than $115,000.

To support Gail and her team, visit their official team page. To learn more about Hike for Lung Health, visit the official site. 

Skyline Plunge! Chicago

September 12, 2010

Lori Duvall to rappel 27 stories, honor Sean

"It's awesome to be able to rappel down a skyscraper in the middle of Chicago," Lori Duvall said. "Most people think I'm crazy for doing this, but I'm not worried about it!"

On September 12, Lori Duvall will rappel 27 stories down theWit Hotel as part of Skyline Plunge! Chicago, a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The event will raise more than $110,000 to support lung health throughout Chicagoland, a cause that Lori takes seriously.

Lori is an occupational therapist who works with children in school to improve their motor skills, social skills and independence. Being in grade schools all day, she sees the impact asthma has on a child's life.

She is dedicating her rappel to Sean, a child with whom she had worked. Though Lori did not work with Sean because of his asthma, in the five years that they worked together, the severity of his symptoms frequently interfered with their appointments and their work.

"Sometimes our appointments would be cancelled because he was in the hospital for a week," Lori said. "I know that has to be scary for the kids and the families. He's a really strong kid and he pushes through and takes it all in stride, but it can't be fun."

Their experience is not a unique one. The asthma hospitalization rate in Chicago is nearly double the national average, and asthma is a leading cause of school absences due to a chronic disease.

Because of his asthma, Sean was not allowed to play outside on days that were under 45 degrees, which meant many of his school days were spent inside while his classmates were at recess. Being restricted from play time meant that he couldn't burn off his extra energy, and it also interfered with the social skills he and Lori were working to build.

"That was very disappointing to me," Lori said. "I tried to figure out if we could have small groups do activities inside so he wasn't by himself, and I also tried to get him to be in gym with another class while his classmates were at recess."

Although Sean is no longer her client, Lori keeps in touch with him and his family. At Skyline Plunge!, they will be watching from the corner of State and Lake Streets as she rappels 278 feet of theWit Hotel.

"I'm definitely excited about rappelling," Lori said. "But with the cause being lung disease, Sean is the first thing that entered my mind. I'm glad to be furthering the cause so that kids like him can play outside."

Funds raised by Lori and other rappellers will support local research and lung health education. For kids with asthma, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago provides school-based programs to improve their self-management and asthma knowledge. In addition, the association is currently involved in various research projects on pediatric asthma.

To support Lori in her rappel or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/loriduvall.

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Erickson twins to rappel 27 stories

"It's a little intimidating to think about climbing over the edge at 27 stories," Pete Erickson said.

Twin brothers Pete and John Erickson are rappelling 278 feet down theWit Hotel on September 12 as part of Skyline Plunge! Chicago. Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the event will raise more than $110,000 to support lung disease research, advocacy and education. Like most of the 100 participants in the event, the brothers have been touched by lung disease.

John and Pete are dedicating their rappel to the memory of their "Aunt" Phyllis Maggos, a family friend who passed away from lung cancer. The Erickson and Maggos families were close; the parents were friends and the children grew up together. When Phyllis passed away suddenly at only 39 years old, both families were shaken.

"One day she was fine, the next day she was in the hospital, and before we knew it, she was gone" John said. "It was hard on all of us. If anything we can do would spare another family this kind of loss, it's worth it all."

At the time that she was diagnosed and passed away, John and Pete were seniors in high school. Still, even 35 years later, they remember how the loss affected them and are looking forward to doing something positive in her memory.

"Plunge! immediately appeals to me because I get to honor Aunt Phyllis," said Pete. He is happy that his fundraising efforts will contribute to lung cancer research as well as smoking-prevention and education for teens.

Adding to their drive to rappel, John is excited to take on the challenge as someone who is visually impaired. John lost his vision between 12 and 16, and is now fully blind in one eye and sees very little with the other. Still, he is a downhill skier who won the national division in his category, and both brothers participated in Respiratory Health Association's Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-flight stair climb up the famed Chicago building.

"I like doing stuff that people think I can't do, and Skyline Plunge! is right up there," John said.

For Pete, the event is more about supporting his brother than it is taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rappel 27 stories in the heart of Chicago.

"I've never done any rappelling, and I don't know what to expect" Pete said. "Had John not been so gung-ho about it, I probably wouldn't have registered. But now that we're committed to doing it together, I'm up for the challenge!"

For John, this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

"I'm excited about being on top of the building," John said. "I saw the old, old Batman movies on TV, and this is my own little opportunity to be on a movie set."

To support John's or Pete's fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/johnerickson or www.lungchicago.org/petererickson.

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Ally Healey to take the Plunge! in memory of mom

Written by Ally Healey

On July 10, 2010, Allyson Healey came home to find that her mom, Donna Carol Healey, had stopped breathing. 

Donna had passed away. She was only 55 years old.  

Among other things, Donna suffered from one of the most widespread lung diseases around: emphysema. Emphysema is one of the most common forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and, due to destruction of the lungs over an extensive period of time, it makes breathing extremely difficult for those who suffer from it. 

Although COPD is permanent and irreversible, it can be relieved to some degree with help from inhalers, steroids and in severe cases, at-home oxygen therapy. All of these lung-relievers were utilized by Donna for years, but only helped her for extremely short periods of time.

"You have no idea how hard that was to watch," Ally said. "To see someone you love so much struggle on a daily basis and knowing there is nothing you can do to make their hurt and pain go away...it's a horrible feeling."

Further complicating her respiratory problems, Donna suffered from a number of illnesses, including fibromyalgia, atrial fibrillation and osteoporosis. While each can be difficult to manage on their own, having limited oxygen intake from her COPD amplified the effects of her additional health conditions.

"Due to the cards she got dealt health-wise, my mom had endured an intense amount of physical and emotional pain throughout the course of her life," Ally said. "But no matter what she had to deal with, she never failed to keep that amazing sense of humor. She would always say to me, 'Ally, you just have to laugh.'"

After a 4-day stint in the hospital back in 2008, due to walking pneumonia, the doctors prescribed her at-home oxygen therapy. This meaning she had to breathe through a cannula from an oxygen tank 24 hours a day. If she ever wanted to venture outside of her home, Donna had a travel oxygen tank she had to bring.

"After she was told she had to be on oxygen, her life was drastically altered," Ally said. "She very rarely went outside of our home, and if she did, it was a big deal, as you can imagine. Executing daily tasks that you and I take for granted, such as walking up the stairs and vacuuming, became huge feats to overcome."  

Unfortunately, the irreparable damage to Donna's lungs could not sustain and her body could not continue the daily fight she had been admirably enduring for so many years.

Just five days prior to her 24th birthday, Ally had lost her mom. 

In memory of her mom, Ally is rappelling theWit Hotel as part of Skyline Plunge! Chicago on September 12, 2010. Hosted by and benefitting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Skyline Plunge! takes participants over the edge a full 27 stories above the intersection of State and Lake Streets. The event will raise more than $110,000 for lung health research, advocacy and education in Chicago.  

"It appealed to me not only for obvious reasons, but also because it's not your average fundraiser in the sense that I will be rappelling myself down a building!" Ally said. " And everything that I will have raised by the end will go directly to lung disease research and education in Chicago, which hit doubly close to home for me."  

To date, she has raised more than $2,000 to support Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The money Ally raises will support lung health throughout Chicago, from funding research on women's lung cancer, to teaching kids to care for their asthma, to supporting policies that push for COPD awareness.  

"You can't explain the feeling you get when you receive a donation from someone who you haven't talked to in years," Ally said. "It's so nice to have that support and to have people like what you're doing and want to be involved. These people care about me, but more importantly, thought very highly of my mom."  

To support Ally or offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/allyhealey

Kathy's Steppers take the plunge to fight lung disease

On August 18, Kathy Merkle celebrated the two-year anniversary of her lung transplant, which she received after chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) destroyed her lungs.

In celebration of her health and in honor of all she has faced from diagnosis to recovery, five of her family members –  sisters Julie and Nancy, nieces Anne and Clare and brother-in-law Jonathan – are rappelling down the side of a building. They've aptly named their team "Kathy's Steppers" as they prepare to step over the edge 278 feet above State and Lake Streets.

"With her transplant, Kathy has taken a step toward getting better, so now I'm taking  a step off a building for her," her sister Julie said. "And she is so excited to have us do this. She just beams."

Kathy's road to diagnosis and recovery was similar to many who have COPD. Although an estimated 24 million Americans have the disease, only 12 million have been diagnosed. The lack of awareness for the disease, as well of the stigma associated with smoking-related conditions, keeps many people from coming forward and seeking treatment.

For Kathy, the lack of awareness about the disease led to her being misdiagnosed with asthma. It wasn't until six years after a misdiagnosis that a pulmonologist properly identified her COPD. Because it had progressed so far, her COPD was too severe to manage well, and her health quickly declined.

In February 2008, she was put on a transplant waiting list, and on August 18, 2008, she received her new lung. But the difficulty of living with lung disease was far from over.

Post-transplant, Kathy required assistance around the clock. She is one of eight children, seven of whom live in the Chicago area. Her siblings and her 16 nieces and nephews took care of her before and after surgery, and Kathy was grateful for their support.

"They were all wonderful," Kathy said. "I wouldn't have made it without them. They took care of me; they called me every day. If you have COPD, you can't make it without a support group."

It's a sentiment her family shares. Kathy's sister Nancy, an Oak Park resident, and Nancy's daughter Anne are both nurses. But even as experienced health care professionals, caring for their sister and aunt presented challenges.

"It takes a whole group of people to care for people with respiratory health issues, and we were blessed to have such a large family to take care of Kathy," Nancy said. "We needed to do physical therapy, intellectual therapy, take care of her finances – everything."

"It really brought home the message that it's difficult to live post-transplant," Anne, a pediatric transplant nurse, said. "Not only in the medical sense, but when to eat, what to eat, which medicines to take, and your doses are constantly changing. We were so happy that she got the transplant, but there were many new challenges that we had."

Though she had her ups and downs, Kathy is now two years out from the transplant and doing well. She and her family stay positive, they spend time together at least once a week, and they continue to support Kathy in all that she does.

"Her spirit and her total drive to keep going day after day is what keeps her here with us," Clare said.

In support of all that she has accomplished and in celebration of her health, Kathy's Steppers are rappelling down theWit Hotel in Skyline Plunge! Chicago on Sept. 12, 2010. A fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Plunge! will raise awareness and more than $110,000 for lung disease research, advocacy and education.

Already an active with Respiratory Health Association's COPD work, Kathy couldn't pass up the opportunity to send her family over the edge for COPD programing, such as the association's Living Better Together: COPD Conference and Cruising with COPD, a social event for people who have the disease.

"When Aunt Kathy came to us with the idea of doing Plunge!, I don't think any of us ever really thought twice about it," Clare said. "We all have an adventurous spirit, and it really just made sense for us to do it."

"How can I not do this?" Nancy said. "It's a testament to Kathy's strength and the fact that she and a lot of people struggle with something that doesn't get fair attention."

With the $5,000 the family has committed to raise, the family hopes for smoking prevention and more education and awareness for COPD so that more people can be diagnosed and begin managing their COPD before a transplant is necessary. Although the transplant saved Kathy's life, ideally her COPD would have been caught and managed before it progressed far enough to destroy her lungs.

"It's so important to bring COPD to the forefront and erase the stigma on it," Kathy said. "I really enjoy going to pulmonary rehab and helping people who have COPD come out of the closet and accept it!"

To offer words of encouragement or support their fundraising efforts, visit www.lungchicago.org/kathyssteppers.

Learn more about Skyline Plunge! Chicago or COPD.

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Celebrating her 65th birthday 27 stories up

Chris and Holly

Holly Jamison wanted to do something big for her upcoming 65th birthday. She wanted to prove to herself and others that 65 isn't old, and that it certainly doesn't mean that she has to quit being active.

"I wanted it to be something that would show the world that when you're becoming a senior citizen, you don't just lie back," Holly said. 

Active in the health and fitness industry for 25 years, Holly wanted to do something to celebrate her health. She wanted to do something physically challenging. Something that helped other people. Something that friends and family could be a part of with her. Something she had never done before. She found Skyline Plunge! Chicago.

On September 12, Holly will rappel 27 stories down theWit Hotel at the intersection of State and Lake Streets. Her family and friends will be waiting on the ground, watching and cheering as she lowers herself down 278 feet to safely reach the street. It's definitely something she has never done before.

"Jumping off the side of a building will just be this huge adrenaline rush!" Holly said.

In addition to the thrill of the event and defying the definition of what "seniors" do, Holly is dedicated to supporting people who have lung disease. Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Skyline Plunge! Chicago will raise more than $110,000 for lung disease research, advocacy and education.

For Holly, the cause is personal. Her sister, Chris, has struggled with bronchiectasiss for more than 40 years.

"I just wanted to honor her struggles with lung disease," Holly said, her whole face lighting up at the mere mention of her sister.  "She is a very, very neat lady."

A rare lung disease, bronchiectasis causes Chris's lungs to fill with mucous and makes her more susceptible to respiratory infections but less apt to recover from them.

"She works really hard to maintain her health as best as she can," Holly said. "But she knows that there are certain things she can't control no matter how hard she works, no matter how much she does."

Chris's efforts to stay healthy inspire Holly to do even more.

"It's made me pay attention to my own health and be very grateful," Holly said.

To support Holly in her fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit her personal fundraising page.

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CowaLUNGa

August 7, 8 & 9, 2010

Corrigan family supports lung health

In 2001, the day after he woke up unable to breathe, Lloyd Corrigan was diagnosed with emphysema. Falling under the umbrella of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema is characterized by difficulty breathing due to damaged lungs and is most commonly caused by smoking. Lloyd had smoked for 65 years, but he quit on the day he was diagnosed.

"I've never had another cigarette," Lloyd said. "When I think back to that night, it was easy for me to quit."



COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, but few people have heard of it. Although it is estimated that 24 million Americans have the disease, only 12 million have been diagnosed. Because of the stigma around smoking-related conditions, many people who experience the symptoms of COPD - including shortness of breath, cough and wheezing - are hesitant to seek treatment or a diagnosis.

But Lloyd refuses to let COPD slow him down. He keeps his COPD well managed with medications and a constant supply of oxygen, and he uses a scooter to get around.

"I can't stand to stay home and be sick," Lloyd said.



At 83 years old, he and his wife, Eileen, go on a different international cruise each year. He also makes time to volunteer five days per week, and each Tuesday he volunteers with Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago by providing office support.

"Volunteering is good therapy for me," Lloyd said. "It's something to do, and I like helping people that are doing good."

On August 7, Lloyd and 10 of his family members volunteered to host a water stop on the route of CowaLUNGa Bike Tour, a cycling event hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The Corrigan family gave out ice water and moral support to the more than 300 riders who take on the first day of the event, which covers 65 miles from Gurnee, Ill. to Williams Bay, Wisc. Stationed at the 57-mile mark on the route, the rest stop was a much needed break before the home stretch to the conference point.

"It was very rewarding and we were all happy to be there," Lloyd said. "The riders all wanted to thank me, but I was there to thank them! Not to be thanked!"



As his wife, Eileen, said after the event, volunteering is the best medicine Lloyd can get. And in addition to volunteering their time, the Corrigan family has raised more than $1,300 to support Respiratory Health Association's lung disease research, advocacy and education.



"My family is very supportive," Lloyd said. "They all worry about me and are amazed by what I do. They may tell me I'm crazy, but they don't tell me I can't."





To support the Corrigan family in their fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/corrigan. 

To learn more about COPD, visit www.lungchicago.org/copd.
 

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John Fortmann to ride 190 miles for lung health 

Since 1998, John Fortmann has been riding CowaLUNGa Bike Tour, a 190-mile charity ride hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. He has always been an avid cyclist, but raising awareness and funds for lung disease has a particular importance to him.

"When you can't breathe, nothing else matters," John said. "It's corny, but I've lived it."

As a child, John had severe asthma that led to a series of hospitalizations from the time he was 10 to 16 years old. At the time he was diagnosed, he was given shots of adrenaline and a rudimentary inhaler to treat and manage his asthma. Now, with advancements in treatments and inhalers, John uses a daily controller medicine but rarely needs a quick-relief inhaler.

"When I learned that the association taught kids how to use inhalers and care for their asthma, that touched me," John said. "I remember being largely impacted by my own asthma."

Funds raised by CowaLUNGa support Respiratory Health Association's research, advocacy and education efforts throughout Chicago. For John, that means research for better medications, advocacy so that children can carry their inhalers in schools, and education so that kids know how to care for their asthma. In all, John has raised more than $10,000 on his CowaLUNGa rides.

Now preparing for his 11th ride on August 7, 8 and 9, John is excited to once again take on the route from Gurnee, Ill. to Hubertus, Wisc.

"It's a good workout, and it's nice to get out and go cycling," John said. "It gives me time to get away from things and be out riding in peace and quiet."

To support John in his fundraising or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/johnfortmann.

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Steve Friedman to ride 190 miles to support lung health

"I would be awake all night, curled up into a ball to relieve the pressure on my chest," Steve said.

Steve Friedman was diagnosed with severe asthma at the age of 13. It was 1963, before the days of controller medications and before many people had a good understanding of asthma triggers. Surrounded by people who smoked and pets that frequently triggered his asthma, Steve made many trips to the doctor's office.

"At that point, what they gave you was a shot of adrenaline," Steve said. "So I could breathe, but I ended up running in little circles for an hour."

When he was a teenager, Steve was told by his doctor to join the track team to improve his lung function. He ran track and cross country in high school, despite a less than successful seasons. He recalls getting so far behind his competitors in a meet that he got lost, and once he even fell into the Des Plaines River during a meet.

"I was very, very awful at track and cross country," Steve said. "But every time I finished, I was happy."

Now at 60 years old, Steve has his asthma well under control. Through advances in treatments and by avoiding his triggers, Steve has not needed emergency medical attention in more than 30 years.

"Every two years I go to the doctor, and he renews my prescription," Steve said. "But sometimes they expire before I've needed to use them."

Steve still stays active, but he's taken to biking over the years instead of running. Now an avid cyclist, Steve takes on at least one 20-mile ride each month regardless of Chicago's unpredictable weather.

"I do it for me," Steve said. "I do it to celebrate the fact that I am able to do it and that I can breathe."

One of his favorite rides is the annual CowaLUNGa Bike Tour, a 190-mile ride hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. This August 7, 8 and 9, he is taking on the ride for the ninth time. In all, Steve has raised more than $15,000 to support lung health throughout metropolitan Chicago.

"I like that the money is spent locally and that you can see it in your own backyard," Steve said. "And that it funds research and education for kids with asthma so they don't look at themselves as disabled people, but look at themselves as having an issue that they need to be careful with."

To support Steve in his fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit his personal page: www.lungchicago.org/stevefriedman.

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Hagstrom family rides to support lung health

While other families look forward to spending their summer vacations at the lake or lounging around the house, the Hagstrom will spend this weekend (Aug. 7-9) riding CowaLUNGa, a charity bike tour from Gurnee, Ill. to Wisconsin. They take on the event because it is s good exercise, it raises funds for a good cause, and it brings their family together.

Entering its 14th year, CowaLUNGa Bike Tour is broken into one, two and three days to cover 65, 130 and 190 miles. This weekend, Paul will take on his eighth CowaLUNGa. As his daughters got older, they took on the one and two-day rides as they were able. Kathryn (14) will be riding for her fifth year, and Elizabeth (12) and his wife, Jennfier, are riding for their third year.

"My oldest daughter wanted a challenge and a sense of accomplishment, so she wanted to ride," Paul said. "And after she started, my youngest decided she wanted to ride, too."

Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the ride raises awareness and funds for lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Many riders on CowaLUNGa dedicate their trip in honor or in memory of a loved one affected by lung disease. Although the Hagstroms are not personally affected by lung disease, they are committed to the cause of raising funds to help kids with asthma.

"More than anything, we do this to help kids," Paul said. "It's just awful to see them when they have asthma attacks. It's just painful to watch."

In all, the family has raised more than $5,700 to support Respiratory Health Association's programs, such as Fight Asthma Now, which teaches kids how to manage and care for their asthma.

For the Hagstroms, CowaLUNGa is a time to be together. They train together by doing practice rides as a family, and they ride together for the first two days of the event.

"It's time together on the road, riding away from normal day-to-day or even weekend activities that we have around the house," Paul said. "We get to ride together as a family, enjoy the country and spend time together. It's wonderful to get away with them."

To support the Hagstrom family in their fundraising efforts or to offer words of encouragement, visit www.lungchicago.org/paulhagstrom.

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Bill Kulterman to ride 190 miles for fitness, lung health

In July 2006, Bill Kulterman was admitted to the hospital for congestive heart failure. He weighed 467 pounds, had high blood pressure and was diabetic. Doctors told him that he would die if he didn't make major life changes.

"I decided that I wasn't ready to die and began to finally take care of myself," Bill said.

Bill bought a stationary recumbent bicycle and started cycling in his basement. When he was ready, he started cycling around the block, then around his neighborhood and then around the North Branch Trail of the Cook County Forest Preserve. In just two years, Bill brought his weight down to 195 pounds.

"My whole life, I was never active, and I was never part of an organized sports team, so I've never pushed myself physically," Bill said. "People ask me if I bike to compete, but I only compete with myself. I'm out there every day trying to do better than I did before. "

Bill has had asthma his entire life, so from a young age, his parents and teachers prohibited him from physical activity.

Adding to his breathing trouble, his parents and other family members smoked. In the past five years, Bill lost his dad, his uncle and a close family friend to lung disease.

"We'd go to a family function and come out smelling like were in a bar," Bill said. "It wasn't until my mom quit smoking that she realized how awful it was."'

Now at age 48, Bill is truly active for the first time in his life. He rides his bike 100 miles each week, he is off the more than 10 medications that were needed to keep him alive, his asthma is under control, he is no longer diabetic and his blood pressure is normal.

In honor of the people he has lost to lung disease and because of his love for cycling, Bill is participating in CowaLUNGa Bike Tour, a cycling event hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Bill and his nephew Keith Volante will ride 190 miles over three days from Gurnee, Ill. to Hubertus, Wis. to raise awareness and funds for lung disease.

This will be the longest ride Bill has ever taken. Last summer, he and Keith rode 100 miles along the Illinois River Trail.

"Riding that 100 miles was hardest thing I've ever done in my life," Bill said. "I was so beat, and I was so tired, and now I can't wait to do it again. That's why I want to do CowaLUNGa - it's another hurdle to climb."

To support Bill in his ride or offer words of encouragement, visit his personal page. To learn more about CowaLUNGa, visit www.cowalunga.com.

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"This is my cause" – John Leslie

From the first time John Leslie rode a bike he knew this pastime would be a life long passion. Even though John competed in several sports ranging from hockey and baseball to sail boat racing, he always made time to ride his bike for miles and miles on end.

"Biking is the one activity that I never get tired of doing," said John.

A few years ago, a member of John's cycling group told him about CowaLUNGa, a three-day cycling adventure hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. An avid century (100 mile) rider, John knew he was up for the challenge.

"My friends and I wanted to try something new," said John. "CowaLUNGa seemed like the perfect event because I could enjoy the scenic route from northern Illinois to Wisconsin with my friends and meet some new people along the way." Although well-prepared for the cycling, John was not expecting to discover a deeper connection with the event and his fellow participants.

When John joined CowaLUNGa in 2003, he heard the stories of dedicated riders who participated each year to take a stand against lung cancer, asthma and chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD), and then it clicked. CowaLUNGa was more than just a fun bike tour, it was an opportunity for John to support close relatives who have encountered lung health diseases.

"During the trip, I helped a fellow rider who had flat tire. After getting to know her, she told me that she was riding for her dad," said John. "It made me think about my own grandfather who had a large part of his lung removed, my father who experienced a stroke most likely due to smoking, my wife's uncle who had lung cancer and finally my two children who were both diagnosed with asthma. All these experiences hit really close to home, and I knew this is my cause."

Through participating in CowaLUNGa, John has inspired his 14-year-old son, Alex, to get involved by volunteering at rest stops. This year's event will mark Alex's third time helping CowaLUNGa riders. John's brother, Edward, will also ride for the third time this year to support his nieces and nephews who have asthma.

"Participating in CowLUNGa with my cycling group, Speedracer, has been a great experience for me," noted John. "Having my brother and son involved makes it all the more worthwhile."

To support John on his ride or offer words of encouragement, visit his personal page.

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Jennifer Moore to cycle 190 miles in memory of mom

Jennifer Moore lost her mom, Mary Anderson, to lung cancer in April 2009. Like many people who have lung disease, Mary hid her diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from her family, was hesitant to seek treatment, and even continued smoking cigarettes as she was dying from lung disease.

Jennifer, a Bartlett resident, wants to ensure that more people who have lung cancer and COPD are able to be diagnosed and seek help, and she wants to prevent young people from starting to smoke.

To raise awareness, she is riding 190 miles as part of CowaLUNGa Bike Tour, an event hosted by and benefiting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. Along with more than 200 other riders, Jennifer will ride from Gurnee, Ill. to Hubertus, Wisc. August 7, 8 and 9.

"This ride is in memory of my mom," Jennifer said. "I really wanted to do something in memory of her and to raise money for lung disease."

Mary started smoking in the 1940s, when the hazards of cigarettes were not readily known. By the time she developed symptoms of COPD and lung cancer at the age of 75, the stigma around the diseases kept her from seeking treatment.

Because the onsets of COPD or lung cancer may be gradual, symptoms can be hard to notice until they majorly affect a person. Smoking for 60 years put Mary at high risk, and she developed a persistent phlegmy cough and difficulty breathing, but she did not seek treatment or tell her family about her declining health.

"There is absolutely a stigma associated with COPD," Jennifer said. "There was absolutely no discussion of it; she didn't event tell us about it."

Jennifer and her sister, Marlene, knew that something was wrong. It wasn't until Mary was hospitalized for another health problem that she told her daughters that she was diagnosed with COPD. A short time later, she was diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer.

Even with the support of her family, Mary did not quit smoking. Like many people who have late stages of lung disease, she was unable to engage in her typical activities because she became short of breath and got too tired.

"Smoking was like a crutch to her," Jennifer said. "She figured she was dying already, and smoking was the one thing left that she could enjoy doing. Right up until the very end, she refused to be on oxygen; she figured the damage was already done."

In April, just four short months after her family knew that she had lung cancer, Mary passed away.

"It was very difficult and very stressful to watch the whole process," Jennifer said. "I'm thankful that my sister is a nurse and was able to translate what the doctors were saying and help our family understand what was going on."

It also helps Jennifer to share her experience with others. As part of CowaLUNGa, she goes on practice rides with other participants, many who have been affected by lung disease. Spending time with other people who have faced situations like hers helps Jennifer heal.

"People always ask how I got involved with the ride, and everyone shares their story, so I talk about my mom a lot," Jennifer said. "A couple of people I've met have lost a spouse or a parent to lung cancer. It's nice to still be able to focus on the positive."

To support Jennifer on her ride or to offer words of encouragement, visit her personal fundraising page: www.lungchicago.org/jennifermoore.

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Team Pactiv cycles 190 miles, raises $16,000

CowaLUNGa is a one, two or three-day bike tour that covers 190 miles from Gurnee, Ill. to Hubertus, Wisc. The event raises funds and awareness to support Respiratory Health Association's lung disease research, advocacy and education.

For the past three years, a group of Pactiv employees has gotten together to take on CowaLUNGa. This year, the team had 36 members, who raised a total of more than $16,400 to support lung health in Chicagoland.

"Pactiv's support directly supports our efforts to fight lung disease-the third leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.," said Joel Africk, president and CEO for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. "More resources than ever are needed to help us fight lung cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)."

Based in Lake Forest, Pactiv Corporation uses CowaLUNGa as an opportunity to give back to their community and improve their work environment.

"The biggest benefit to Pactiv Corporation is employee morale," said Joe Doyle, vice president and general counsel for Pactiv. "Our CowaLUNGa team includes people from multiple sites and multiple areas within Pactiv, people that would not likely get to know each other without an event like Cow. It also fit in nicely with our wellness campaign."

To support Team Pactiv in their fundraising efforts to or learn more about CowaLUNGa, visit www.cowalunga.com.

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United for Lung Health Federal Advocacy Days

April 21 & 22, 2010

The New Face of Lung Cancer: Ann Baker's Story

Ann Baker, a Cary resident, is a full-time corporate executive, wife and mother of three. Recently, she added the title of lung health advocate to her name.

In August 2008, Ann was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. As a non-smoker, this diagnosis seemingly came out of nowhere.

"I once believed that lung cancer was only a problem for smokers and those continuously exposed to secondhand smoke. Fighting this battle seemed surreal because I never smoked a cigarette a day in my life. So how could this happen to me?" said Ann.

Shortly after her diagnosis, Ann set out on a personal journey to educate herself and others on lung cancer, the leading cancer killer among men and women in the U.S. In fact, this disease kills more people than breast, prostate, colon and pancreatic cancers combined. Given its deadly prevalence, Ann was surprised to find that, lung cancer receives less research funding than any of the other major cancers. People with lung cancer, she found, are often blamed for their sickness even though they may have acquired the disease due to genetics or exposure to radon, asbestos or other environmental factors.

"I wanted to feel empowered through promoting research. So much of lung cancer is still a mystery, in part, because of the negative stigma it carries," said Ann. "More and more, women in their forties who do not smoke are diagnosed too late. My mission is to increase awareness and advocate for better advancements in early screening and new therapies."

Ann recently traveled to Washington D.C. with other advocates from Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and shared her personal story with key congressional staff and legislators including Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson (D-Ill). Ann encouraged lawmakers to support lung-friendly initiatives such as the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act, which aims to create multi-agency government support and reduce lung cancer's mortality rate by fifty percent by 2016. Ann's Congresswoman, Melissa Bean (D-Ill), recently signed on as a co-sponsor of this bill.

"Supporting bills like the Lung Cancer Mortality Reduction Act is my passion because I know firsthand the importance of raising money to back education and treatment therapies," Ann said. "I currently take oral-chemotherapy pills. Because of this non-invasive treatment, my life has been extended! It's hard to believe that four years ago this drug was not available to lung cancer patients."

As Ann continues to spread the message that lung cancer is a major health concern by educating lawmakers and fundraising for research efforts, she draws inspiration from her family: "My kids have half my genetic make-up. So this is about their future as well." She adds, "I don't want my fight with lung cancer to be theirs too."

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Gloria Linnertz educates legislators about radon

Gloria Linnertz of Waterloo, Ill., is a passionate advocate for radon awareness. On a recent trip to Washington, D.C., she met with local and national legislators to educate them about radon.

"Most of the legislators have no idea what radon is or what it can do," Gloria said. "They're the same way I was. I just had no idea."

Radon is an odorless, tasteless and colorless gas that is released from the decay of uranium, a naturally-occurring rock in our soil. As radon is released, it seeps through cracks in a home's foundation and into our air. Radon exposure leads to an estimated 22,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States each year.

Gloria traveled to D.C. as part of a group of advocates from Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago in support of lung-friendly legislation. Gloria focused on gaining support and co-sponsors for the Indoor Radon Exposure Abatement and Detection Act, which will soon be introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

The proposed legislation requires EPA to set a national standard for unsafe radon levels, allows EPA to set standards for radon testing and abatement working trainings, provides grants to states that have radon education and awareness programs, and creates a rebate program to reduce the cost of installing radon-control systems in new homes.

For Gloria, the cause is personal. She lost her husband, Joe, to lung cancer in 2006. When they asked Joe's oncologist what could have caused cancer, he told them smoking and radon gas were the leading causes. Joe hadn't smoked for 27 years. He died six weeks later.

"Most people who have lung cancer are not diagnosed until they are at a very late stage," Gloria said. "This legislation is life-saving. It's easy to test for radon and it's not difficult to fix."

According to EPA regulations, any home with radon levels higher than 4 picocuries per liter should be mitigated. World Health Organization has an even stricter standard of 2.7 picocuries per liter. One month after Joe's death, Gloria learned that their home had a level of 17.9 picocuries per liter. Since then, she has done everything she can to support radon education, mitigation and legislation efforts.

Gloria encouraged a number of legislators to support the Indoor Radon Exposure Abatement and Detection Act, including Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL), Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL), Sen. Jim Bunning (R-KY), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR). Now, she's asking others to contact their legislators in support of this bill.

"This bill can save lives," Gloria said. "Communities need to test their homes for radon, then contact their legislators and encourage them to sign on and support this legislation."

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Skyline Plunge! Champaign-Urbana

April 11, 2010

Rachel Keeney to rappel Illini Tower

The University of Illinois student is participating in Skyline Plunge!, a rappelling event on Sunday, April 11, 2010. From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., spectators can gather on East Chalmers Street and look upward at the façade of Illini Tower to see adventurous participants descending from the rooftop to street level.

Keeney has lived in Illini Tower for the past three years and has been a residential advisor for the last two. She is rappelling for her love of the building, for the adventure, and in memory of her grandmother, whom she lost to lung cancer.

"I'm very adventurous; I've skydived 5 times total, and I probably will do it again," Keeney said. "I heard about plunge, and it's for a great cause, and I'm adventurous already, so why not? You gotta live life to the fullest - I'm young, so I gotta do it while I can!"

Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago is partnering with the University of Illinois' Sports, Tourism, and Recreation Association (S.T.A.R.) to produce the event, which will raise awareness and funds for both organizations. Students, community members and local media personalities will be participating.

Keeney's family lives in Florida, so they will not be able to join her for the event. But they supported her fundraising efforts from afar, and she is preparing a video of her rappel to show her family. Her residents, coworkers and friends will be waiting on Chalmers St. cheering her on.

To support Rachel, visit her fundraising page.

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Susan Toalson to rappel 17 stories of Illini Tower

Skyline Plunge! is coming to Champaign-Urbana on Sunday, April 11, 2010. From 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., spectators can gather on East Chalmers Street and look upward at the façade of Illini Tower to see 30 individual rappellers descending from the rooftop to street level.

Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago is partnering with the University of Illinois' Sports, Tourism, and Recreation Association (S.T.A.R.) to produce the event, which will raise awareness and funds for both organizations. Students, community members and local media personalities will be participating.

Susan Toalson, Executive Director of the Urbana Business Association, will be among the adventurers rappelling to raise money in support of lung disease research and programs. Like many of her fellow participants, Susan has a personal connection to the cause: "My husband has asthma, so I know how important it is to do more research to improve understanding and treatments for respiratory illnesses."

But Toalson has a professional connection as well. Simply put, she says, "Our organization would not function without the intern support we receive from the recreation, sports and tourism students each semester." She explains that their intelligence and energy have helped further the mission of the Urbana Business Association, and "this rappel event is just a small way for me to say ‘thank you' for everything the S.T.A.R. students have done for us."

"Plus," she adds as a nervous afterthought, "I'm trying to conquer a little fear of heights..." 

To support Susan or offer words of encouragement, visit her fundraising page. 

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Hustle Up the Hancock

February 28, 2010

Ann Baker

Ann Baker was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in August 2008. She has never smoked a cigarette in her life.

The 45-year-old mother of three hasn't asked for a prognosis. Always an optimist, she is focusing on doing everything she can before she gets any sicker. So for Ann, being diagnosed with lung cancer was a call to action.

"People kind of give you the cold shoulder when you have lung cancer," said Ann.

Even as a non-smoker, Ann was met with blame for her disease. When she was first diagnosed, she felt herself getting defensive when discussing her lung cancer. Now that she has had it for more than a year, she has taken conversations around lung cancer as an opportunity to educate, not to feel guilty.

"Instead of being upset about it, I clear things up with people," she said. "In the process, I make them understand how frustrating it is to have lung cancer!"

Ann points to the visibility of diseases such as breast cancer and diabetes compared with the relative invisibility of lung cancer. She has seen a number of anti-smoking campaigns, but lung cancer can be caused by a number of factors, including radon and asbestos.

"Money should go toward helping people to stop smoking; I don't want to take that away from any effort or campaign," she said. "I just want to see more research on lung cancer. How can we manage or eliminate this horrible illness if there's just not the same kind of money going towards it?"

Ann's passionate awareness efforts are, in part, inspired by her current treatment: an oral non-chemo medication. For her, the treatment is a reminder that there is plenty more information to find, it just has to be funded.

"If you put this energy behind something, anything is possible!" Ann said.

This February, Ann will put her own energy to the test in the name of lung cancer awareness. She will participate in Hustle Up the Hancock, a climb up the stairs of The John Hancock Center. Ann will take on the half-climb, which means she will conquer 52 flights of stairs despite the tumors in her lungs. As a designated Lung Health Champion, Ann has committed to raising $1,000 for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago's lung health research, advocacy and education.

And this is only the beginning for her. Ann will be participating in Hustle alongside other people who have lung disease, and she looks forward to learning about their experiences.

"I want to hear other people's stories and find other areas that I can get support from," she said. "When you mention an illness, you hear about another person's struggles and how they got support. It brings people together in one way or another."

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John and Kelly Duncombe

It's safe to say that the John Hancock Center holds a special place in each Chicagoan's heart. For John and Kelly Duncombe, the building isn't just a Chicago icon; it's the place they found each other.

John and Kelly met in February 2008 in the John Hancock Center observatory. They had just completed Hustle Up the Hancock, an annual stair climb fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. John had endured the full climb of 94 flights, and Kelly and her mom, Denise Archambault, had completed the half climb of 52 flights.

Kelly and Denise took on the challenge in honor of Denise being declared cancer-free. Crossing the finish line was a powerful moment. As the two cried in celebration of Denise's recovery and their success in completing Hustle, John offered his congratulations and support.

Denise didn't say anything at the time, but she knew then that Kelly and John were perfect for each other. John caught on quickly, too, and continued talking with Kelly for a while. As they parted ways to head to the ground floor, John said he hoped to have the opportunity to see Kelly again. She agreed, but they didn't exchange contact information.

As fate would have it, they passed each other three more times on their way out of the building, and John finally tore off a piece of his racing bib to give Kelly his phone number. They dated for nine months, and got engaged in December 2008.

"It was just one of those things where the stars were kind of aligned," Kelly said. "It happened perfectly: doing Hustle with my mom, meeting my husband at a really emotional time. It totally happens when you're not looking."

"I pretty much knew after our first date that she was the girl I was going to marry and the exact kind of girl I was looking for," John said.

In honor of the city they love and the place they met, John and Kelly had a Hancock-themed wedding on September 26, 2009. On the night of the rehearsal dinner, John surprised Kelly with a Hancock frosted on the groom's cake, and John's dad presented the couple with artwork he created by juxtaposing a pictures of their church and the Hancock.

Pastor Michelle Miller of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, who performed their ceremony, even used Hustle as the theme of her homily. After talking with Kelly and John's parents at the rehearsal dinner, she used a banana, water bottle and competitor's medal to illustrate their parents' marital advice of "peeling back the layers" to know each other better, enjoying the refreshing nature of each other's company and taking pride in their commitment to each other.

Along with the health benefits and the physical challenge, John and Kelly's love for the event inspired Pastor Miller to participate in Hustle Up the Hancock alongside John, Kelly and Denise this year.

"I did three sessions of premarital counseling with them, and I said maybe I would go with them next year," Pastor Miller said. "I got really amped up about it while writing homily and because I knew it was important to their life."

On February 28, 2010, the four will take on Hustle Up the Hancock with a specific motivation. At the top, Pastor Miller will lead them in a prayer to celebrate their successful climb and their lifelong commitment to each other.

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 Jim Gill and Melissa Lane

When asked about his inspiration for participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-flight stair climb up the John Hancock Center, Jim Gill replied "I can't let my daughter beat me!"

As competitive athletes for most of their lives, Jim and his daughter, Melissa Lane, are no strangers to distance events. Jim has been competing in triathlons for more than 30 years, which inspired Melissa to compete in marathons. Although the two spend a majority of the year training separately for their respective events, it has become a November tradition to train together for Hustle Up the Hancock.

And the training isn't easy. They are both in shape for their distance events, but the stair climb works a different set of muscles and requires a different type of energy.

"In a triathlon, you can go slow so you can catch your breath," Jim aid. "With Hustle Up the Hancock, it's intense."

This year will be Jim's 11th Hustle and Melissa's sixth. When the weather gets too cold to swim and bike as part of his triathlon training, Jim comes inside to start his stair training.

"I just turned 60, and every year when I go for a physical the doctor tells me, ‘You're one of my few patients that doesn't take any medication,'" Jim said. "I like to think that's because I've been training all my life. I kind of pride myself on that."

It's a fact that Melissa doesn't easily forget.

"I think about him when I'm on my bad days for training," Melissa said. "He's out there doing this every year, still biking and swimming and running up the Hancock. If he can still do it, I can still do it."

For both Jim and Melissa, the best training is actually running up and down stairs. Each year, they find the tallest building to which they have access to start their climbing, increasing by a few flights each week.

"The driving force is the competition," Melissa said. "I do have people in my life who have been affected by lung disease, so it holds a special place in my heart. It's an opportunity to participate in something with my father, and it's been a great tradition every year."

"We're pretty competitive when it comes to the training part," Melissa said. "But when it comes to the day of the race, he wants everyone to do their best. He's just really excited at that point."

If you're participating in this year's Hustle, Jim and Melissa have one piece of advice: start slow. They agreed that most of the participants who race up the first few flights are huffing and puffing by the 20th floor -- so pace yourself!

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Liz Gonzalez

On Feb. 28, 2010, Liz Gonzalez is quitting smoking for good. She has been smoking for 15 years and has never tried to quit before. Although the odds are stacked against her, she's got more than will power to hold her to her goals.

Liz is participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-flight stair climb up the John Hancock Center. A fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Hustle raises more than $1 million for lung health research, education and advocacy in Chicagoland. For Liz, it is an opportunity to reach fitness goals and raise money for lung health along the way.

In support, Liz's friends, family and coworkers have donated more than $1,500 to her fundraising campaign, and she hopes their encouragement will hold her to her goal. She will also use the stories of the people she climbs beside to keep her on track.

"If I kept smoking, I wouldn't be able to look them in the face," Liz said. "It wouldn't be right."

Liz has been and avid exerciser for years. She runs 25 miles each week and when the weather permits, she climbs the rocky stairs of Swallow Cliff in Palos Park, Ill. As she works on her weight and her appearance, the next logical step was to quit smoking.

"At 42, I feel better physically in my own skin than I ever have before," Liz said. "And with all the working out, I'm proud of how I look. I can run for six miles straight, but I can feel it in my lungs."

After she climbs the 1,632 steps from the ground floor to the John Hancock Observatory, Liz says she won't pick up another cigarette. It's a hard challenge, with her willpower and the support of those around her, she is ready for it.

To support Liz in her climb or to offer encouragement, visit her fundraising page.

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Debbie Harris and Lee Okamoto

"I feel like I'm taking a breath for all those that can't," Lee Okamoto said.

Lee and her sister Debbie Harris are participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The two women will make their way up the 94-flights of the John Hancock Center on February 28, 2010 in memory of their mother.

Lee and Debbie lost their mother, Barbara Goodman, to lung cancer in 2006, just six months after she was diagnosed. By the time she sought treatment, Barbara had stage IV metastasized lung cancer. She was only 65 years old.

"We didn't know much about lung disease, so we didn't take action," Debbie said. "Had we known then what we know now, we would have done things much sooner."

Since then, the women have dedicated themselves to supporting research for lung disease. Each year, Hustle raises more than $1 million for lung health research, advocacy and education. For Debbie and Lee, the lung cancer support is top priority.

"I got into Hustle strictly and only because of the support that it gives to lung research," Lee said. "After she had gotten sick and I saw how little was done for lung cancer, I don't ever want the next person to go through what we went through."

It's a mission shared by most of the 4,000 participants who are affected by lung disease. For the sisters, it creates a space to feel supported in the loss of their mom. They recollected giving out high-fives to climbers they didn't even know, and enjoying the feeling of community they experienced at the event in 2009.

"It's not even about the climb," Debbie said. "The climb is a great accomplishment and it feels good -- don't get me wrong -- but seeing all different kinds of people all together for one main cause is just so tremendous."

And as dedicated as they are to supporting other people who face lung disease, their main motivation is honoring their mom.

"Whether we realize it or not, Deb and I talk about my mom pretty much the entire way up," Lee said.

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 Kim Lemar and Colleen McMahon Horrigan

When they get to the top of the John Hancock Center on February 28, Colleen McMahon Horrigan and Kim Lemar will have a lot to celebrate. They will have made the climb up 1,632 stairs. They'll have raised awareness and fought the stigma of lung cancer. They'll have honored their mothers' memories. And they'll have done it together.

Colleen and Kim have been River Forest neighbors for 13 years. They had been good friends since they met, but what brought them closest was navigating their mothers' early deaths from lung cancer. Having shared the diagnoses, treatments and loss of their moms, Kim and Colleen have a strong bond.

"It was really nice to have support, especially when we lost our moms," Kim said. "We just understood."

Colleen's mom was diagnosed in 1999, and when Kim's mom was diagnosed in 2001, the four women formed a warm, positive support network for each other.

"When she was diagnosed with stage III lung cancer, I just felt like there was a clock ticking," Colleen said. "But for a while, I didn't hear the clock."

Both of their moms were former smokers whose lung cancer escaped the attention of their health care providers until it was too late. Despite seeing a doctor for crippling back pain for more than a year, Kim's mom wasn't diagnosed until her cancer was stage IV.

"The thing that struck us the most as we started going through it was: why wasn't it ever diagnosed?" Kim said. "Once you learn that it's lung cancer, you start to look back and see all the places it was missed. "

But even when she was diagnosed, the stigma associated with the disease was a constant negative force. When Kim told someone that her mother had lung cancer, the automatic response was always, "Well, did she smoke?" Like many, Kim is adamant that no one deserves lung cancer, regardless of whether he or she smoked.

"I don't want other people to go through what we've been through," Colleen said. "It weighs on your heart."

Kim and Colleen are raising awareness and support for lung cancer research, anti-smoking campaigns and better care for lung cancer patients. They want to see more aggressive scanning for lung cancer, longer life expectancies for people who are diagnosed and less of a stigma around the disease.

"I'd make lung cancer a chronic disease instead of an icky life sentence," Colleen said.

On February 28, they will participate in Hustle Up the Hancock, an annual fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The 94-floor stair climb is the first outreach in their dedication to advocating for better care. They wouldn't think of climbing without each other.

"If you have a pal with you, it keeps you on track," Colleen said. "And you can giggle."

At the top of the John Hancock Center, they'll be surrounded by their families and thousands of other people affected by lung disease. As they honor their moms, they'll be in good company.

"It'll be a celebration when we get there, for our moms and for us," Colleen said. "We'll feel like we did something. "

"That would be the way both our mothers would want it," Kim added.

To support their efforts, visit Kim's or Colleen's fundraising page.

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Colleen McMahon and Tom Kendzior

Tom Kendzior was diagnosed with stage III testicular cancer in November 2008. As a 24-year-old competitive body builder who didn't drink or smoke, Tom and his fiancee, Colleen McMahon, were blindsided by the news. He had gone to the doctor for a routine, 15-minute procedure. When he came out of surgery five hours later, doctors had removed a tumor the size of a cantaloupe.

"I almost passed out," Colleen said. "I didn't have words."

Despite having testicular cancer, one of the biggest challenges for Tom has been his lung health. Just hours after the initial surgery, he learned that his lungs were 80 percent filled with fluid and tumors. On August 28, 2009 doctors removed half of one of his lungs and a third of the other.

But for the most part, Tom hasn't slowed down. He used to go to the gym five times each week, pushing himself to the limit, competing in body building events and being a personal trainer in his spare time. And even after his surgeries and chemo treatments, he is able to exercise safely and find new ways to do what he loves.

"I have a tendency to surprise my doctors," Tom said of his drive to keep exercising. On his first trip back to the gym after his initial treatments, his workout quickly escalated from light weightlifting to 10 handstand pushups. "Now, every time they tell me I can do something, they make me it very, very specific as to what I can do."

In honor of all of the lung health research that saved his life, Colleen is participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-flight stair climb up the famed Chicago building. The event is a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and Colleen will join more than 4,000 other people in raising more than $1 million for lung health research, advocacy and awareness. The date of the event, February 28, 2010, marks the 6-month anniversary of Tom's lung surgery.

"We were looking for something to do that would help benefit a cause that helped him get where he is now," Colleen said. "So not only are we putting ourselves to a cause, we’re also raising money for it and working on a fitness goal. It’s perfect for Tom. It's got everything he wanted in it."

Initially, Tom had planned to participate alongside Colleen. But now that he is on his fourth chemo treatment, being immunocompromized means he won't be able to join her on Hustle day. Instead, Tom motivates Colleen as her personal trainer by outlining her training and exercising with her when he can.

He and Colleen are hopeful that this treatment will stick. But mostly, the two are thankful that Tom caught the cancer when he did, and that he is able to fight it while he is strong.

"I was in really, really good shape when I started, so I have been lucky," Tom said. "My mentality is: you might as well get me at my healthiest."

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Jay Readey

Chad Readey with his dad, Jay, close behind.

Jay Readey and his son Chad, 7, are participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-flight stair climb up the John Hancock Center. Hosted by and benefitting Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the event aims to raise more than $1 million for lung health research, advocacy and education in Chicagoland.

Jay first competed in Hustle Up the Hancock in 2005, when some coworkers encouraged him to join their team. An avid cyclist and runner, he took on Hustle for the challenge of climbing the 1,632 stairs.

"I was hooked," Jay said. "And my motivation to participate only grew over time."

As he has climbed Hustle over the last few years, Jay has been drawn into the stories of those around him. A majority of the 4,000 participants say they have been touched by lung disease, and many wear t-shirts or form teams to proclaim their motivations for climbing: remembering a mom lost to lung cancer; raising awareness for COPD; honoring the organ donor whose lungs saved a life.

"It has become something that I care about because I care about the people who are involved," Jay said. "Having that relationship with people who climb for a purpose, I've developed my own passion."

This year, Jay gets to climb beside his son, Chad, who is taking on the full 94 flights of stairs despite having asthma.

"Initially, this wasn't about lung disease," Jay said. "But as I got into it, I learned more about lung issues. And I realized that Chad's asthma is a quality of life issue for him and for us as parents."

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Donna Serlin

Donna Serlin has worked in pulmonary rehabilitation at Edward Hospital for more than eight years. In that time, she has served thousands of patients with a wide range of lung diseases. Like most who work in rehabilitation, she helps her patients to feel better physically. But the unique challenges of lung disease add another layer to her work: fighting the stigma of lung disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and it is the only cause in the top five that is on the rise. More than 10 million Americans have been diagnosed, and an estimated 14 million more people are thought to be undiagnosed. Despite these statistics, COPD is still relatively unknown among the general public.

Because many lung diseases can be caused by smoking, people who have lung disease are often blamed for their situations. But as anyone who has treated, seen or experienced lung disease can tell you: no one deserves having to struggle to breathe. The stigma in combination with the relative invisibility of the disease is particularly difficult on people who are recently diagnosed with COPD.

"People who are in pulmonary rehab often blame themselves," Donna said. "But we encourage them not to look at the past. Instead, let's look at today and do what we can to improve their quality of life."

Through exercise, education and group support, Donna's patients are able to better manage their lung disease and prevent their condition from worsening. Most importantly, they know that they are not the only person who has COPD.

"It's a joy to help people and see them driving again or actually leaving the house with their oxygen tanks when before they didn't want to," Donna said.

Through group pulmonary rehab and a number of social events for people living with COPD, Donna's patients feel more comfortable with the disease. Her patients participate in social and educational events hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, a local not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving people with lung diseases.

"Creating a sense of community is a huge part of what we do here," Donna said. "We focus on getting people to feel better through exercise and education, and we help them see that they are not the only person out there with lung disease."

In recognition of the efforts of Respiratory Health Association to improve the lives of people living with COPD, Donna and 11 teammates are participating in Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-flight climb up the famed Chicago building. They are climbing to raise awareness for to raise awareness for Alpha-1 Antitripsyn deficiency, a genetic disease that can lead to COPD. The team is advocating for anyone who has lung disease to get tested for Alpha-1, and to talk to their healthcare providers to learn more.

To leave a message of support or to donate to Donna and her team, visit their Edward Team Alpha website.

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Skyline Plunge! Chicago

October 25, 2009

Alison Elder

Alison Elder has been athletic her entire life, but it was not until a year ago that she was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma. Although she had been an active runner and skier for years, like many Americans, she was unaware of the signs and symptoms of asthma.

When she exercised, Alison felt short of breath and wheezed, but assumed that her symptoms were an indicator of her health, not a serious condition. Last February, she participated in Hustle Up the Hancock, a 94-floor stair climb up the iconic Chicago building. When she reached the 30th floor completely out of breath, a concerned staff member of the host organization, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, suggested she see her health care provider for asthma testing. A few weeks later, Alison was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma and provided with an inhaler to use before aerobic exercising.

"If it wasn't for Hustle Up the Hancock, I would never have figured out why I had trouble breathing," Alison said. "It is worthwhile to educate yourself on some of the issues with asthma before they come up. My asthma is controllable, but it has an impact on how I do what I do."

Thankfully, her asthma has not been limiting. Aside from a dose of her inhaler before exercising, Alison is able to continue her athletic pursuits without having to stop to catch her breath. On October 25, she will rappel 27 stories down Chicago's theWit Hotel to participate in Respiratory Health Association's Skyline Plunge! For Alison, the event is an opportunity to combine her passion for athleticism and her dedication to lung health, including her own.

"I am always up for a thrill, and I'm a nut when it comes to doing things with high altitudes and scaring myself," Alison said. "This is going to be so much easier than Hustle Up the Hancock; I get to take the elevator up and just rappel down!"

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Keith Franzen

On October 25, Northbrook resident Keith Franzen will rappel 27 stories down theWit hotel in Chicago as a participant in Skyline Plunge! Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the event supports the fight against lung disease, and offers Keith a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor his brother, Larry.

Early in 2008, Larry was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which causes permanent damage to the lungs and shortness of breath. The cause is unknown, but as the disease progresses, the lungs lose all function.

While Larry was awaiting treatment in Florida, he and Keith's mother passed away in Iowa. Larry was able to view the funeral via webcam. Three days later, he got a call that a lung donor was available.

"I can't help but feel like he had somebody pulling for him," Keith said.

Since his double lung transplant in November 2008, Larry has been steadily recovering. Still, his IPF and his transplant will affect him for the rest of his life. Keith decided to participate in Skyline Plunge! to raise money and awareness for lung diseases like IPF. He has raised more than $3,000, and is upping his goal to $5,000.

"I prefer to think I've raised this much because of my brother's inspiring story, and not my friends' desire to see me walk off of a perfectly fine building," Keith said. "I feel really blessed and humbled that people have responded as generously as they have."

The focus, though, stays on Larry.

"What I'm doing is a really small thing when you consider the person and the family that was donor to my brother, what Larry went through, and all of the people who are affected by lung disease," Keith said.

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Garth Ingram

"I've looked up at those buildings and thought about scaling them thousands of times," he said. "When the opportunity surfaced, it was a no-brainer."

On October 25, Oswego resident Garth Ingram will join 100 others in rappelling down theWit Hotel's 278-foot façade (27 stories) in Skyline Plunge! The event will raise funds for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, an organization that supports healthy lungs and fights lung disease in Chicago.

Along with love of adventure, Garth is participating as a way to set an example for his children. Garth has had asthma since he was young, but refuses to let it interfere with what he wants to do. In addition to running a marathon and biking regularly, Garth sees Skyline Plunge! as an opportunity to prove that he is not limited by the disease.

"When I was a kid, my parents never told me I couldn't do anything, even though, at the time, lots of people with asthma were excluded from activities," Garth said. "Some people think of asthma as a reason to not do something; I don't think of it that way at all."

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Lauren LaViola

"I am very afraid of heights," said Lauren LaViola. "But when you face a fear in memory of someone else, it makes it easier to do. My dad lived his life for me... I think I can rappel down a building."

On October 25, Lauren LaViola will rappel 27 stories down theWit Hotel in Chicago. Skyline Plunge! is a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and Lauren is participating in honor of her father, Larry LaViola, who passed away in August 2009.

In early July 2009, Larry sought treatment for back pain, which he thought was due to an injured spinal disc. Scans revealed several spots on his lungs thought to be blood clots. A biopsy revealed otherwise and he was diagnosed with metastatic stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. Doctors estimated he had 12 to 14 months to live if he took treatment with an aggressive chemotherapy cocktail, but the cancer had spread so far and so quickly that he passed away less than two months after diagnosis.

Larry was a physician's assistant at the same clinic for 35 years in Snellville, Ga. In that time, he developed a strong following of patients and families. When he was first diagnosed with lung cancer, his wife, Susie, started an email list that included more than 200 concerned patients and friends. When he passed away, his patients reached out to Susie and Lauren to remember their favorite health care provider. His hometown police department is planting a tree in front of their new station in memory of Larry.

Just 40 hours after signing up for Plunge, Lauren raised $1,000. To date, she has raised more than $2,600 to support lung health programming and the fight against lung disease. She attributes the overwhelming support to her father's legacy.

Susie is flying up from Georgia to support Lauren as she takes the plunge. Along with her mother's support, Lauren hopes to work through her fear of heights so that she can honor her father's memory. But, just in case she can't one of her dad's friends reminded her that, "my dad will be with me to carry me down."

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Trace Schmeltz

"I have seen first hand what it means to not be able to breathe and what it means to fight for every breath you take," he said. "I've seen how it ruins a life and how it messes up a family. I've always, when given the opportunity, supported lung disease causes."

Downers Grove resident Vincent "Trace" Schmeltz III lost his dear friend, Chad Park, to cystic fibrosis. Their parents were close friends, so Trace and Chad had been friends for as long as they could remember. But Chad's early death - he was only 29 years old - shook Trace to the core.

"I don't recall knowing anything extraordinary until we were in high school," Trace said. "You always knew that Chad had something going on, but it seemed, as a kid, like ‘Oh, Chad has a cold' or ‘He's just got to stop when you're running around.'"

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that causes thick layers of mucous to build inside the lungs. In Trace's words, it "creates a swamp in your lungs." People who have cystic fibrosis are more likely to contract respiratory illnesses, and less apt to fight them effectively.

At the time, the pain of losing his friend made Trace shut down completely. He struggled to interact with Chad's family, didn't know what to say to them or how to act. Years later, he regrets that he couldn't handle the loss better.

"At some level, I look back on that and don't know if there is anything that I can do to redeem myself," said Trace. "I sure would like to see a better solution for people who have cystic fibrosis."

In an effort to ensure better treatment in the future, Trace is raising funds and awareness for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. As a part of Skyline Plunge!, Trace will rappel 27 stories down theWit Hotel on October 25.

As an experienced rappeller, mountain guide and paraglider, Trace's participation is less about the thrill and more about remembering Chad. To date, he has raised more than $1,300 for the event, and continues to raise awareness and funds.

"I want to do this for his family and for him," Trace said. "It's nice to get involved in an endeavor and have people support you and support the cause."

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LeeAnn Steinfeldt

Glendale Heights resident LeeAnn Steinfeldt is always up for an adventure, even if it means she'll have to conquer her fear of heights. On October 25, she will rappel 27 stories down Chicago's theWit Hotel as part Skyline Plunge!, a fundraiser for Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

LeeAnn is rappelling in memory of her grandfather, Nicholas Dercks, from whom she inherited her adventurous spirit. The two were inseparable for as long as LeeAnn can remember. When she moved away for college, she made special trips home just to see him and helped him around the house over her summer vacations. Last Christmas at 97-½ years old, Nicholas passed away from complications with congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"He always inspired me to do different things," said LeeAnn. "He always overcame challenges; even with COPD, he walked every single day and never balked about anything. He was always a positive person."

COPD is a respiratory disease that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Although more than 12 million Americans have been diagnosed with COPD, LeeAnn found that a lot of people don't know about the disease. Through her fundraising efforts, she has raised more awareness than she had expected.

"If you say emphysema, people understand that," said LeeAnn. "A lot of people know someone who is affected by respiratory issues, but the general population does not know what COPD is." She added that when she tells people about her grandfather and COPD, they are happy to support the cause.

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Bank of America Chicago Marathon

October 11, 2009

Sue Koch

Chicago West Town resident Sue Koch wanted to spend this October 11 running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. The 26-mile run was to be in memory of her mother and an opportunity to raise awareness for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although surgery for a foot injury will keep her out of the marathon, Sue has raised more than $1,500 in support of local COPD programs.

Sue’s mom, Beverly, had COPD for years without telling her children. It wasn’t until she was in the emergency room for shortness of breath that she let her family know about her lung disease; according to Sue, she didn’t want to worry her children.

COPD refers to both emphysema and chronic bronchitis, conditions that make breathing difficult due to airflow obstruction. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States, and the only one of the top five causes continuing to rise.

“Everyone knows about lung cancer, but even some smokers don’t know what COPD,” Sue said.

When Beverly started smoking in the 1940s, the risks were not as well-known as they are today. Regardless, people who have smoking-related diseases are often blamed or stigmatized for causing their own illness.

“People make bad decisions, but that doesn’t mean that they should be afflicted with a horrible disease like cancer or COPD,” Sue said. “My mom was 77 when she passed, and people around her age had no idea that smoking was bad for them. And by the time they did, they had been addicted for 20 or 30 years.”

Sue’s mother’s death came shortly after her father’s, and inspired Sue to do two things: First, she changed career paths to spend more time with family and create a more fulfilling career. She left her job of 15 years in technology as senior management and started her own business in professional small business and life coaching. 

“I like to work with people who are going through career or personal transitions, coping with personal trauma, facing elder care issues, or setting fitness and wellness goals,” Sue said. “I am great at working with people as they balance taking care of themselves and their families.”

Second, she decided to fundraise and raise awareness about COPD. Sue joined Lung Power Team, a group of athletes associated with Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. These competitive athletes participate in nationwide races to support lung health awareness and fight lung disease, so the team was exactly what Sue needed.
 
“Groups specifically focused on COPD are hard to find,” said sue. “Respiratory Health Association has a lot of programming and outreach efforts aimed at helping people living with COPD and their families, and that’s what I wanted to focus on.”

Sue’s passion for raising awareness has enabled her to raise a substantial amount of money for local lung health programs, and she has been educating others about COPD in the process.

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Becca Weiner

Buffalo Grove resident Rebecca Weiner, 20, is participating in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Like many of the runners, she has been training for months. Unlike many of the runners, Becca has asthma. On October 11, she will prove that people who have asthma should never feel limited by the condition. In fact, she says, running has helped her asthma more than anything.

“Running keeps me in shape, and it really has kept my asthma under control,” Becca explained. “I have a really strong heart even though my lungs are not as strong as they should be. I’ve kept my body very healthy.”

Since she was diagnosed 8 years ago, Becca has learned to control her asthma and avoid asthma episodes. She takes her reliever inhaler with her on every run as a precaution, and is thankful that she is able to run as much as she does.  A junior at University of Illinois, she is double majoring in chemistry and Spanish with the hopes of going to medical school to become a pulmonologist.

“I’m really healthy, but a lot of kids are so sick,” Becca said. “I’m fortunate that I am so healthy, and I want to help people that are less fortunate get the right treatment and be healthy like me. I want them to know that asthma should not be a limiting factor in anything they do.”

Becca is running the Chicago Marathon as a member of the Lung Power Team, a running group dedicated to fundraising on behalf of Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

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Hike for Lung Health

September 25, 2009

Carri Bregar

Carri Bregar lost her father, Jerry, to lung cancer in 2004. Since then, she has been an advocate of lung disease research, but wanted to raise awareness with more than a checkbook. Looking for a more creative option, she decided to participate in Hike for Lung Health a multi-charity event hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago.

"I like to do something a little more pro-active," Carri said. "My dad had to go through so much physically when he had lung cancer, and if I just write a check it's too easy. I like having something to actually do."

On September 27, Carri and her extended family will walk through Palatine's Deer Grove in memory of Jerry as part of Hike for Lung Health. The event offers a 1-mile or 3-mile walk through Lincoln Park in Chicago or Palatine and is followed by music, a picnic lunch and family entertainment.

For Carri, the walk offers an opportunity to involve the children in family in the fight against lung cancer.

"In our family, we always, always, always do some kind of charity," she said, "and this is the first time that the kids actually get to do something in their grandfather's memory."

Not only will Carri's participation memorialize her father, she is also walking to help others who are living with lung cancer. As Carri leads Team Bregar, they are focused and hopeful.

"We are doing as much as we can to bring awareness to raise funds for research for lung cancer... We need to bring more money in for the research to have a cure one day."

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Ryan Fader

This September, 2½-year-old Ryan Fader and his family will join hundreds of others in Hike for Lung Health, a multi-charity fundraising walk to support the lung health community. Hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (RHAMC), this will be Ryan's third time participating in the annual event. This year, though, will be the first time he walks without the constant aid of an oxygen mask.

When he was 2 months old, Ryan was diagnosed with a mutated gene, called ABCA3, which causes respiratory distress. At the time, doctors could only tell his parents, Eric and Sheri, that their son would need oxygen; they could not treat him and knew little about his disease.

The family was directed to Children's Interstitial Lung Disease (chILD) Foundation, which provides funding and support for families whose children have similar rare lung diseases. It was through chILD's message boards and emails that Ryan's mother, Sheri, connected with other parents of children with lung disease.

"It is such a lifesaver," she said. "These are parents who have become experts in what you're going through. They know more than the doctors do about how to deal with day-to-day issues of this disease... You don't want to be the person that everyone is staring at, and having people who understand that has been so wonderful and helpful."

On September 27, the Faders and other families will walk a 3-mile route through Lincoln Park as part of Hike for Lung Health. In the past 3 years, the Faders have raised more than $5,000 to support chILD Foundation and RHAMC.

Although he was not expected to crawl, talk or walk at the same pace as his twin sister, Sophie, they have hit many of their development milestones together. In the past year, Ryan's lungs matured enough that he was able to transition from constant use of an oxygen machine to only nighttime use.

Last year, Sheri watched as other children at the Hike for Lung Health played without the aid of their oxygen masks. This year, she is happy to watch her son do the same.

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William Mulligan

Imagine struggling to inhale, then having to exhale before your lungs feel full. Imagine walking a block and being exhausted. Imagine watching your child constantly struggle to breathe.

Each day, Chad and Lisa Mulligan’s 16-month-old son, William, struggles to breathe. William has children’s interstitial lung disease (chILD). Specifically, he has a genetic mutation ABCA3, which causes thickened cells between the lungs and blood vessels and makes the transfer of oxygen difficult. When William was diagnosed in February of 2008, doctors could tell his parents little about the condition, which was only identified four years earlier. With long-term studies and mass information unavailable, the diagnosis and uncertainty were hard on the Mulligan family.

“When it is your child, even the word ‘disease’ is very intimidating,” said Chad. “It drives an unimaginable amount of fear through you initially, and without concrete information to back it up, you think the worst.”

“It was such a long, hard road to diagnosis,” said Lisa. “Talking to other parents, this seems to be their story, too. Many doctors just don’t know about chILD. Thank God we found a great doctor to take care of William.”

But in large part, the Mulligans are still in the dark on their son’s disease. They joined chILD Foundation (www.childfoundation.us), a support network for families of children with interstitial lung disease, but still do not have a definite answer to questions about their son’s future. But they’re committed to doing what they can.

The Mulligans recently participated in Hike for Lung Health, a 3-mile walk through Chicago’s Lincoln Park hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago to support a dozen lung health charities. The family raised nearly $10,000 to support chILD Foundation, and have only just begun what will be a lifetime goal of awareness and fundraising. Hike for Lung Health charity partners have raised more than $118,000 to date, and donations will be accepted at www.lungchicago.org through October 19, 2009.

The Mulligans’ efforts are aimed at supporting chILD Foundation’s goal of creating a database of kids with chILD to encourage health care providers to exchange treatment information.

“It’s such a rare disease that unfortunately it’s not going to be picked up by a pharmaceutical company or be supplemented by government research,” said Chad.

Lisa added, “I hope the one thing we can accomplish is to raise awareness, especially to health care providers.”

Because they expend so much energy trying to breathe, many children who have chILD rely on oxygen, high caloric diets and even feeding tubes to keep them steadily developing. Luckily for William, although he requires an oxygen at all times, he is otherwise a typical, active toddler.

According to his father, William treats everything like a baseball; if he can get his hands on it, he will launch it across the room.

The problem is that having such an adventurous toddler on an oxygen tank is almost like having him on a 50-foot leash. As William moves from one area of the house to the next, he can easily tangle himself and everything around him in the tubing, which means his parents have to constantly watch and untangle him. It’s a challenge that the Mulligans hope William will outgrown in a few years, perhaps requiring oxygen only at night.

“We don’t limit ourselves or William,” Chad said. “He is out of the house playing as much as he is inside; he has been on airplanes; and we take him on trips. He has a pretty big obstacle in front of him, but one that our family will overcome together.”

William lives in St. John, Indiana, with his parents and three sisters, Maggie (8), Joie (6), and Malorie (4).

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Nolan Rahm

Before his first birthday, Nolan Rahm’s family nicknamed him “Little Bear” because he was such a grumpy child. His parents, Bradley and Nancy, knew that it was not normal for their infant to sleep only 3 hours at a time each night, but their pediatrician offered no suggestions. Frustrated, the Rahms took their son to a specialist, who quickly identified that their child had asthma, although his only symptom was not sleeping well.

He started nebulizer treatments and a rescue inhaler. To ensure that they had identified each of Nolan’s triggers, the Rahms removed all carpeting, stuffed animals and houseplants from their home, and even sent the family pets to live with Nancy’s mother. Thanks to the dedication of his family, now 6-year-old Nolan has his asthma controlled.

Although the nickname stuck, Nolan is no longer a grumpy kid. For any family who has been told that their child’s asthma will be limiting, Nolan proves otherwise. He has played four seasons of soccer and is an orange belt in tae kwon do. This year, he will participate in his third Hike for Lung Health, a 3-mile walk through Chicago’s Lincoln Park. 

“This is all thanks to the researchers and medications that have been discovered for asthma,” said Nancy. “Without the proper medication, I have no doubt he would be unable to participate in tae kwon do, soccer or even gym at school.  This is why we walk: to donate money to research for lung disorders to help kids like Nolan." 

The Hike for lung Health is an annual event hosted by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago. The multi-charity event benefits local organizations that are dedicated to lung health, and raises awareness about asthma and other lung diseases.

Before Nolan had his asthma under control, he could barely walk 1 block without getting tired. His parents noticed that he would play hard for about 15 minutes, then slow down, then sit down. When they decided to participate in their first Hike for Lung Health, Bradley and Nancy started preparing Nolan for the walk a full 6 months in advance, wanting to ensure that he was not too worn out to complete the course. Thanks to their efforts, Nolan made the trip.

“We wanted to do something for him and to help raise awareness,” said Bradley. “We really needed to show him that he can do what other kids are doing. We wanted him to know that just because he has asthma, doesn’t mean he can’t do things.” 

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Sister Mary Pat Volz

On September 27, Sister Mary Pat Volz will participate in Hike for Lung Health, a 3-mile walk through Lincoln Park. As a person living with asthma, she is personally committed to the event’s mission to raise awareness and support for lung diseases. And, as the bus driver for Resurrection High School in Chicago, she sees the ways that lung diseases like asthma can affect the young people in her community. 

"It is important to me that all people are aware of asthma," said Volz. She added that she has helped students learn to manage their asthma and "learn how to use inhalers properly by passing along information that I have picked up at the walks."

Volz has supported Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago for 6 years, and this will be her third time walking in Hike for Lung Health. While visiting her pulmonologist's office, she saw a brochure about RHAMC and was excited to see that Hike for Lung Health benefited programs for children to learn more about their asthma.

Each year, Sister Mary Pat has found creative ways to fundraise for the walk. Along with asking family and friends to sponsor her, she made embroidered towels, friendship bracelets, and even sold ice cream floats at school to raise money for her team.

"The second year I walked, I sold wristbands," said Volz. "I had my young niece help me sell in Minnesota, so I put her on my team and they sent her a shirt. She still wears it. "

Sister Mary Pat is the only member of her 2009 Hike team, but invites students and other families to walk with her. The information that she gathers from Respiratory Health Association and the other charity partners, as well as the opportunity to sell her crafts to support the cause, keep her coming back each year. 

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