Today is different though when I made the commitment to myself to be willing to share with others the path I am traveling while battling COPD and Asthma I knew that this social media stuff comes with a responsibility which means staying on top of what you may have said or promised within that social media.
It’s a responsibility I want to take seriously because I understand the importance of making even just one person feel better or more knowledgeable about their own battle with COPD, Asthma or any life threatening disease.
So today I take a moment with the help of CrossDove Writer and facebook group ‘COPD Travels’ to remember, remember those more famous names that have gone before us and died from complications due to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease).
Of course front and center today is the passing of Leonard Nimoy at age 83.
Nimoy died from his COPD, a health issue brought on mostly from smoking despite the fact that he quit 30 years ago.
While most will honor his memory for his work as an actor portraying ‘Dr. Spock’ in the highly popular science fiction sage ‘Star Trek’ and surely we will over hear the phrase ‘live long and prosper’ by the end of the day, I for one appreciate Nimoy for his belated openness regarding his battle with COPD.
Our travels have had many, many more famous names attached to the disease of COPD though many of them never acknowledged the disease as publically as what would have been beneficial in more people being aware of it and what it does.
Among the more famous faces who battled COPD were Barbara Stanwyck, Maureen Stapleton, Janet Kagan, Dean Martin, Johnny Carson, Elizabeth Taylor,Christy Turlington, Leonard Bernstein, Don Imus (still alive) and of course Phil Everly.
Sadly, none of these names were very upfront about what was making them so sick and several kept it under wraps until after their death.
Sometimes I look at our battle with COPD/Asthma and wonder where are the high profile names to bring our struggles to the masses like they have with other diseases like cancer and even arthritis.
Currently the highest profile names which I am aware of are NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and actress Loni Anderson.
I was so excited when Danica Patrick went on the Food Network’s reality show ‘Chopped’ and won as a sponsor of the COPD Foundation. Something just was emotional hearing her talk about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with such passion and using that passion to drive through the competition and cook a winning desert – I just couldn’t stop smiling while I watch it.
So while the whole world seems to be remembering Leonard Nimoy today, maybe we should use those acknowledgements to remind family, friends, neighbors and just any people the real reason for Nimoy’s demise – it came from COPD, while sad it may be, it is also a great platform if only for a few days to get the word out that this is a disease that is growing in numbers every day.
In ending, even I will honor Nimoys prized character portrayal of Dr. Spock by saying “rest in peace my friend, be relieved of the pains of your COPD and yes we all know on your behalf to always ‘live long and prosper’”.
As always – if you or anyone you know have any symptoms involving lung and breathing functionality, and they linger over and over while disrupting a lifestyle – then please ask questions and get it checked out.
Remember always that without breathing a person is without life itself.
As always I bid to all – smiles, prayers, blessings and steady breathing – Mr. William.
(Copyright@2015, CrossDove Writer through wheezingaway.com)
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