Raising Awareness
Filming a documentary about this journey and how exercise can give people with respiratory disease a better quality of life has been demanding. For me, this is a great opportunity to shine a light on lung disease, as many of these diseases are not well known. Indeed, I hadn't heard of COPD until I was diagnosed with it.
So far there's been much interest in our little project from all around the world, which has put a smile on my face. With interest from TV and print media from around the world, my New York marathon run is shaping up to be a success in terms of raising awareness.
My inspiring British mate Vanessa Smith has just completed her first half marathon in the Great North Run. Vanessa used supplementary oxygen for her race, which certainly caught the attention of many. With media already talking about Vanessa and her achievements, now it's up to me to take the baton and continue the good work.
For those of you interested in following my progress, we plan to have live tracking on my Facebook page. If our technical skills are up to it the feed will show my position, pace, distance run and heart rate.
Support Network
Of course this couldn't happen without the tremendous support of family and friends as well as some great sponsors. The American Lung Association of the North East, Dr Noah Greenspan’s Pulmonary Wellness & Rehabilitation Center, and the National Asthma Council of Australia (NACA) have all been invaluable in their support.
Coming from Australia to run a marathon in New York has many challenges, but having people to help me in both places has been great. My New York friends have given me valuable tips about the conditions I will face as well as the logistics of getting around New York.
Dr Greenspan, who has many years experience in pulmonary rehabilitation, has given Coach Doug and I some great insights, some of which we have applied to our training program.
In Australia, NACA have helped with fundraising and our race clothing. They've also been great supporters in helping raise awareness for COPD and Asthma.
Last but not least, NewLifeOutlook has given me a forum to not only raise awareness, but share my experiences and hopefully make a difference in someone’s life.
One Request
On November 1, whether you are taking interest in my race or not, I ask one favour: if you have COPD, make it a day you make a positive change in your life.
