There’s no better example of someone embracing life afterbeing diagnosed with COPD like this year’s “Volunteer in Excellence Programs” winner, Jim Nelson. Jim has become a true champion sharing his story and journey with COPD with everyone who will listen. Jim has been active in the COPD coalition for three years, and this year is featured as the face of COPD in Arizona, in public service announcements, the BreatheEasyAZ web site, and printed posters. As a leader of the COPD coalition, he also serves as the organization’s representative for EFFORTS, a national support group for emphysema. Jim is an active member of the E-advocacy team for Arizona and takes it very seriously by soliciting legislative messages from others in his network.
Many people around Arizona have gotten to know Jim for his inspiring “COPD 101” talks that give hope to people who are trying to understand what life with COPD means. He also served as master of ceremonies for the highly successful Green Valley Respiratory Rally in February, where people in southern Arizona learned from renowned experts about COPD.
As if that isn’t enough, Jim spends his spare time as an author and photographer. He contributes articles for newsletters, writes letters to the editor to help raise awareness, worked diligently to request proclamations for COPD Awareness Month from multiple government agencies and is always going above and beyond normal volunteer duties to help the American Lung Association and COPD Coalition.
The COPD community received some amazing news, when Jim Nelson underwent a successful double lung transplant on Dec. 13, giving him a new lease on life. With his positive attitude, hard work and steadfast message to people living with COPD, Jim will no doubt continue to inspire people in the years to come.
