My mom moved through the world with magnetic energy. Her kind, bubbly personality attracted conversation wherever she went. Despite her many struggles, lung disease among them, her infectious energy remained. My mom was a force of nature, even if she could not see that in herself. I watched her face cancer head-on three times and fight lung disease for 10 years when they only gave her 5. In the face of those adversities, she continued to show her strength. My mom taught me that a small act can make a large impact. She led by example; giving back when she had little to spare. I remember her slipping anonymous envelopes of cash through door mail slots and riding around in the snow on Christmas to hand out food to the unhoused. I remember her recounting the nights she sat awake to hold the hand of a confused and crying woman in the hospital bed next to hers. She did these things with no expectation of praise.

When the days were long and hard my mom always looked toward better tomorrows. She hoped for a future where those suffering from chronic lung disease would receive more resources, more compassion, and more hope. She knew that my efforts with the American Lung Association would not benefit her, but she loved that I was taking action to help future generations. During her 10-year fight with lung disease, she never stopped believing in a better tomorrow. YOU can help us reach those better tomorrows.

Please consider joining us at the walk, donating, and sharing!