Hello Family and Friends,

  Well, here it is, my annual ask for contributions to the Lung Force Walk to be held at Hoffmantown in Albuquerque on Saturday September 21st.   My devotion to this cause has not diminished and I am even more proud of the new local initiatives benefiting the community.  The partnership with the New Mexico Cancer Center on Free Lung Cancer screenings has expanded the number of screenings and the Legos for Lungs at UNM Children's Hospital has been an enormous success.  And the ALA Advocacy staff continues to work with the NM legislators on legislation related to Air Quality and Vaping restrictions.

In November, 2023 I attended the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Summit and participated on a panel related to Supplemental Oxygen.  The PFF as well as the Lung Association and numerous other sponsors have introduced a Bill in Congress, the SOAR  (Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform) Act and those of us with respiratory diseases have met with Congressional representatives to tell them our story and encourage their support of this much needed legislation. And I have been asked  to co-chair for the PFF Summit in Chicago in 2025. 

As an Ambassador with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and with the assistance of the American Lung Association, I have continued to facilitate the Support Group for those who also have Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  The American Lung Association provides a place for us to meet, technical assistance for our meetings and 2 delightful and skilled staff members to answer questions.  The IPF Support Group provides Speakers, educational materials, treatment information and most importantly emotional support to members.  And is one of several activities that has given me purpose for over 10 years.

 The Lung Association is very near and dear to my heart for many reasons and I hope that you would consider a contribution to my team.   In addition to the ever popular car show, there are some new vendors, and dogs looking for new homes from Watermelon Mountain Ranch at the Walk on the 21st.   Thank you for your support as it means a great deal to me.