To Happy Holidays and Healthy Lungs!
MARC MY WORDS: Thoughts from Breathe SoCal's President & CEO
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Wow! Can you believe 2021 is nearly over? Without stating the obvious, this year has been challenging, but it has also been a tremendous time of growth and leadership for Breathe Southern California.
In 2021, breathing was at the forefront of public discussion as we completed the first full year living with COVID-19 and people across the world were forced to reckon with the impact lung disease can have in our lives, and that COVID can have on those with lung disease.
Over the course of 2021, through our Lung Power and Adult Lung Health Workshops, Breathe SoCal's trained health professionals led numerous events both online and in-person to educate the public on how to prevent and manage lung disease.
Last month, we hosted the Pacific Coast Lung Health Conference to educate medical professionals on new and improved treatments, research, and technologies in the management of lung diseases. We also held a Roaring '20s-themed gala, recognizing the centennial year of our medical network, the Trudeau Society, honored those who have made a tremendous contribution to lung health, and raised critical funds to support research, education, patient support, and advocacy.
This year, Breathe SoCal also formed new partnerships and developed strategies to highlight the importance of clean air in protecting our lung health. We ran environmental awareness webinars on topics including electric vehicles, energy efficiency in our homes, and wildfire prevention.
As an unprecedented wildfire season unfurled, Breathe SoCal recognized that no one else was addressing the impact that breathing wildfire smoke has on public health.
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Throughout the year, Breathe SoCal also welcomed new staff members, fought to end diesel pollution, launched our new mascots (The Little Lungs: Alvie & Olie), worked to restrict the sale of flavored tobacco products, and so much more!
As 2021 comes to a close, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to our amazing staff, our committed Board of Directors, our generous donors, our vital community partners, the recipients of our programs, and more. And no matter which category you fall in, thank you. It is through your support, loyalty, and belief in our mission, that we have been able to make people’s lives better.
I am proud that we’ve helped so many as they learned how important clean air and lung health are for all of us. I look forward to all that 2022 has to offer!
In Health,
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Marc Carrel
President & CEO
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Rafael's Story: I Give Because of Maya |
Rafael's sister, Maya, was a perfectly healthy child growing up, until one day she struggled to catch her breath. Their parents took her to the hospital only to discover any parent’s worst nightmare – Maya had asthma, a chronic lung disease with no cure.
For Rafael, it was difficult to watch his sister gasping for air and struggling to speak due to shortness of breath. Their parents started treatments immediately and the family prayed.
When you’re sick and unable to breathe, as Maya was, the only thing that one could hope for is a cure – something Rafael desperately wished for Maya. After seeing a dozen specialists, Maya received a bronchodilator that made all the difference in the world.
As an older brother who saw his sister suffer from asthma, Rafael wants to help other children like Maya and their families get the support and resources they need to overcome the challenges of lung disease. He supports organizations like Breathe SoCal that are making an impact in our communities every day.
“I know that there are many kids that suffer from worse lung health conditions in difficult-to-reach communities. I invite you to join me in helping these children and families.”
By doing so, you are helping to give children like Maya and families like Rafael's the resources needed to take control of lung disease and prevent future asthma attacks.
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From asthma education to clean transportation, this year has been very busy, and full of surprises!
Enjoy some of Breathe SoCal's favorite 2021 moments below.
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Don't be a stranger, stay in touch. Here's how: |
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