| Patrick Dooley: I was born in 1949, thus a "49er" in more ways than one!! I was having health problems and starting looking for answers in October of 1985. Didn't have a clue of what was going on an neither did all of the doctors that I saw. Then, six years later, in February 1992, I was finally hospitalized and diagnosed with COPD/Severe E. I was faced with quit smoking or die, so I quit the cigs and chose to live. I know I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't made that decision. It's going on 10 years now and I've learned a lot. From Better Breathers to Pulmonary Rehabilitation and exercise. I still ride my touring motorcycle during the summer months with my oxygen in a back pack. I can't ride as far or as long as I used to, but I think that is testament to the fact that life isn't over when you're diagnosed with the big E. Now that education continues with my participation in the COPD Support Group. And now the opportunity to give back by helping others walk down the same path as I have traveled is very gratifying. I'm looking forward in helping to bring this big machine into the 21st Century!!
|