I have had the opportunity to meet with and work with some amazing people since I embarked on this journey with COPD. I have served on panels and boards which I would not even have known about had I not had COPD.

I am presently evaluating research projects for approval and funding. I would not have known about this opportunity had I not had COPD. This latest endeavor harkens back to my teaching days and the Weir High School Science Explorers Club. I evaluated and helped refine research projects and papers which were far above my pay grade in the years that I sponsored the club. My first Grand Prize winner developed the robotic prelim of the unmanned mine explosion explorer.

To this day the inventor does not believe that I had no clue what he was talking about in his paper. What I did know was how to conduct scientific research and how to write a research paper.  I can put that knowledge back to work in evaluating real-time, high-stakes projects today.

If I could have a choice, I would not choose to have COPD, but because I have it, I have been given amazing opportunities.

I will never be able to thank the people at the COPD Foundation, Right2Breathe, American Lung Association, and various Facebook groups including Ultimate Pulmonary Wellness for all the wonderful plots in my COPD life.