As a physical therapist, I work closely with people battling lung disease. I have experienced first hand the pain and suffering caused by lung disease to both patients and families. And the statistics are astounding. Each year, close to 335,000 Americans die of lung disease. Lung disease is America's number three killer.
Lung disease kills more women than breast cancer.
It is the leading killer of children less than one year old. Physical therapists are all too familiar with the chronic affects of lung disease in the people we treat. Personally, in accepting this challenge, I am finding a whole new world open to me as I shatter my preconceptions, reach beyond my limitations, rigorously explore my physical and mental capabilities and challenge myself to break out of the boundaries of my life. I am empowered by knowing that my hard work and dedication will raise funds to help those struggling to breathe day after day. The ALA provides advocacy, research, education and programs to promote healthy air, healthy people and healthy lungs.