Over 500 guests Cruise with COPD

Over 500 people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)--some using wheelchairs, many on oxygen--from Chicago, the suburbs and as far way as Rockford and Peoria enjoyed a lunch cruise aboard the Odyssey and the Spirit of Chicago on Lake Michigan as part of the 5th annual COPD Social Event, Cruising with COPD.

The cruise featured games, a raffle, and live entertainment. Guest were welcomed by CBS2 anchorwoman Ann State.

Each boat was fully equipped to handle all the needs of a person living with COPD. Both the Odyssey and the Spirit of Chicago included oxygen for the duration of the cruise, several respiratory therapists and a pulmonologist.

"For most participants this is the only event where all their needs are taken care of," said Eileen Lowery, COPD Initiative Coordinator. "This cruise shows that people living with COPD can lead healthy, active social lives."

Click here for more information about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

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CPS Student Illustrates the Importance of
Hand Washing, Wins Poster Contest

Stakeholders Collaboration to Improve Student Health and Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago (RHAMC) held a contest for Chicago Public School 7th and 8th graders to design a poster encouraging hand washing. The winning poster (left) was created by Marcelina Suchocka, 14, from Taft High School-Academic Center. RHAMC President and CEO Joel Africk awarded her with a video iPod and iTunes gift card and her teacher, Rachel Fenker-Vera with a gift card to Staples. Two students received honorable mentions--Jessika Stec, 13, from Taft High School-Acedemic Center and Linda Nguyen, 14, from Alessandro Volta Elementary School. Both were presented with an iPod Shuffle and iTunes gift card. The award is sponsored by an educational grant from Otho S.A. Sprague Memorial Institute.

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Patients and Advocates Unite for Lung Health and Bring Their Message to Washington

Patients and advocates from more than 40 participating organizations from across the US traveled to the nation's Capital for the first ever United for Lung Health Federal Advocacy Day, May 13-14. Convened by Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago, the event gave those affected by lung disease an opportunity to talk with elected officials and urge them to increase funding for lung health research and education programs.

“This event offers hope for new funding that can lead to improved treatment and more successful outcomes,” says Joel Africk, RHAMC president and CEO. Organizations supporting research for asthma, COPD, lung cancer, LAM, ARDS, tuberculosis and sarcoidosis participated. "Federal legislators had an opportunity to see a vibrant and dedicated lung health community.”

For more information on United for Lung Health or how you can support lung disease research visit www.unitedforlunghealth.org or click on the donate tab above.