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Stories from Respiratory Therapists and Oxygen Dependent Patients

    • Millions of people across the United States live every day with a respiratory disease such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), asthma or pulmonary fibrosis. These illnesses effect daily quality of life, finances, mental health and so much more. AARC and its members are working together to encourage legislators to change the conversation surrounding reimbursements, the need for respiratory therapists in home settings and virtual pulmonary rehabilitation. Patient stories like these below highlight why the SOAR Act and other respiratory care legislation is critical to improving patient health and lessening healthcare costs.

 

Dan Grimm

Dan Grimm lives in Buffalo, New York, and has the rare lung disease, Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. The condition is uncurable, genetic, and affects roughly 10,000 people in the U.S. It often leads to COPD, emphysema, and cirrhosis of the liver, so to help combat the progression, Grimm gets weekly plasma infusions. Read Dan’s story.

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Gary Nelson

Gary Nelson has Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency which is a rare genetic disorder that is passed on in families and can affect the lungs, liver and/or skin and this condition affects his lungs, causing COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). However, even with his health challenges, he doesn’t let it slow him down from being as active as possible, helping first responders, and advocating for better Medicare reimbursement and respiratory therapy home care. Read Gary’s story

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Chasta Posey

Chasta Posey is a FSR Patient Advocate, Patient Navigator, Member of the FSR Women of Color Advisory Committee, and FSR Global Sarcoidosis Alliance Volunteer Leader. She’s also lives with Pulmonary Sarcoidosis. Read Chasta’s story.

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Susie

Susie relies on portable oxygen to get through her day. Her ability to remain independent and to participate in “normal” activities and beloved hobbies is made more difficult when using tanks compared to a longer lasting liquid portable. Read Susie’s story.

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Valda Voss

Valda agreed to be apart of The RT to Home program, which gave her access to an RT post discharge for 90 days, predominantly weekly visits and phone conversations as needed. Read Valda’s story from the perspective of her respiratory therapist.

J

J was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and relied on an oxygen concentrator, for home use, and E cylinders for when she left her home. Read J’s story from the perspective of her daughter-in-law.

G

G was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. She relies on home oxygen in a concentrator with E cylinders when she goes out of the house. Read G’s story from the perspective of her sister.