For the past couple years, my mother and I have been active board members for the American Lung Association of the Midland States (ALA). We attend the occasional meetings, have met with the Senator of our state, planned for 5Ks, developed new ways for funding, research, and awareness. Since every aspect of lung disease, including lung cancer, have personally affected our lives, this was something we felt immediately drawn towards. I have spoken out and shared my story because awareness doesn't just happen. We are small steps towards one giant leap for awareness, which ultimately leads towards funding for research and cures!
A couple of months ago, a dear friend of mine who I have met through the ALA, named me the Lung Force Hero for this year's upcoming walk. This opportunity has given me the amazing chance to raise even more awareness about, not only my lung diseases, but all of them. I am able to share my story and talk about just how debilitating these diseases are. No more "just" Asthma, no more "It's just air", no more "I don't know what that is." It's time for more knowledge into the world of lung diseases. No more ignorance to this deadly diseases.
On Monday, May 11th, my family and I were invited to Cedar Point, one of our state's amusement parks. The event was that we were going to "light-up" the amusement park turquoise, the color to represent all lung diseases. It was one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" moments that I was so blessed to have been a part of. To watch several of the park rides suddenly turn turquoise, it was such a unexplainable feeling.
A couple of months ago, a dear friend of mine who I have met through the ALA, named me the Lung Force Hero for this year's upcoming walk. This opportunity has given me the amazing chance to raise even more awareness about, not only my lung diseases, but all of them. I am able to share my story and talk about just how debilitating these diseases are. No more "just" Asthma, no more "It's just air", no more "I don't know what that is." It's time for more knowledge into the world of lung diseases. No more ignorance to this deadly diseases.
On Monday, May 11th, my family and I were invited to Cedar Point, one of our state's amusement parks. The event was that we were going to "light-up" the amusement park turquoise, the color to represent all lung diseases. It was one of those "once-in-a-lifetime" moments that I was so blessed to have been a part of. To watch several of the park rides suddenly turn turquoise, it was such a unexplainable feeling.
That wasn't the only amazing part of our experience! We found out that Great Wolf Lodge (GWL), was extremely generous to offer, me, the Lung Force Hero, and my family a night at their resort! I was treated like a celebrity with every experience they had for me there! When we walked into the door, there was a sign, welcoming myself as a guest to GWL. We had a beautiful, spacious room, which included several presents, thanking me for allowing them to give me this opportunity. For two days and one night we enjoyed the bonding and quality time this experience provided for my family and I. I am so grateful that I was able to offer my parents some fun and relaxation. I know that watching your child struggle on a daily basis, is no walk-in-the-park. We were able to "forget" about the upcoming IV treatments, the appointments, and the trials, even if it was just for a night. Thank you GWL for giving my family and myself a break. Thank you for reminding us those good days are still there, even if they aren't often. Experiences like these help me to get through those bad days.