Historias compartidas

I am a Nurse Practitioner and have worked for 21 years - certified in Family Practice Medicine in the state of Iowa. I saw many, many patients during this time, and diagnosed and treated many lung infections, emphysema, COPD, and lung cancer cases.

Life as I knew it changed profoundly over the course of a few weeks in 2017.

A pivotal moment…can you reflect on one of the on the pivotal moments in your life and how those moments of clarity have given you new perspectives and opportunities for change?

I’m a stage IV cancer patient. I fight to live, but every day I also fight to breathe. In 2017 I learned that my uterine cancer distantly metastasized from my uterus to my left lung. It didn’t spread, it jumped. 

I am asked to share my LUNG FORCE story, but, truthfully, the story is not mine, it really is all about my husband Rob.

I wasn't feeling well for a while, probably three years. I was tired, short of breathe and I kept getting hives.

I joined the American Lung Association’s LUNG FORCE initiative in honor of my grandmother, Doris, who passed away from lung cancer at the age of 79. She was the light of my life and a living example of love.

Freedom From Smoking isn’t just about quitting, it’s about creating a ‘New You’ and connecting participants with services that lay the foundation for healthier lifestyles. It provides hope and community connections to so many who are underserved.

The training modules and live workshop blew my mind. Evidence-based practices and years of research back the curriculum. I started teaching the class and watched those I was educating become just as surprised that ‘this stuff simply makes sense.’

I smoked for over 35 years and here I am, 2.5 years smokefree and hopefully many more to come! I feel so much better, I breathe better, and my blood pressure is the best it's been in over 30 years. I'm so glad I gave Freedom From Smoking a shot.

My personal journey was to have lifestyle changes—to quit smoking and lose weight at the same time. Since my Freedom From Smoking quit date, I have lost 80 pounds and hiked 3,500 miles. The difference in my physical and mental health is tremendous.

I tried to quit more than a dozen times but was completely addicted. After my son was born, I knew I had to stop for good. I successfully quit through Freedom From Smoking and a year later got certified as a Facilitator. Now I help others quit.

I’m glad I never gave up trying to quit. Change takes time and practice. Smoking cessation programs work. Not only is the smoker given tools to succeed but by engaging with others who are trying to achieve the same goal they build a support system.

I was diagnosed with asthma when I was in my mid-20s. Every year I would get this horrible cough for months and there weren't any real answers as to why.

I have bronchiectasis, with frequent flareups requiring antibiotics. I also have asthma that gets set off when I am sick and when I am around chemicals, campfires and wildfire smoke.