The 2006 American Lung Association of Washington’s annual 5 K Walk For Asthma in Seattle, began Sunday, 30 April 2006 at the University of Washington’s Husky Stadium.  After registration, the walk began at 9:30 am, meandered from Husky Stadium through the beautiful campus and looped back to the stadium and Finish Line.

Our EFFORTS Team was there, eight strong this year, ranging in age from 42 - 89.  We came from far and near to be part of the second annual EFFORTS Team, Mary and Steve from Moses Lake; live 178 miles away on the dry side of the Cascades.  Most of us were a ferry ride away.  We were there to show our support for the American Lung Association of Washington’s EFFORTS for lung disease, for Asthma and to help make folks aware of COPD. Eleven o'clock was the approximate walk-end and the Finish line festivities promised fun, entertainment, games, refreshments and speakers…including an appearance by Blitz from the Seattle Seahawks… which we missed again. Our team included (beside COPDers) folks walking with Hip Dysphasia, a wrenched back and a Pace Maker.  Mary and Steve from Moses Lake, Julia from Seattle, Aaron from Seattle, Al from Port Orchard, Aggie from Belfair, Chuck and Sharon from Silverdale. Megan, a new Association team member, walked with us the final mile or so.  Megan has exercise-induced asthma.  She also RUNS and works out… as best she can.  Asthma – as COPD, saps energy unless we fight back through exercise… strengthening and aerobic… just moving! David Fitton, one of the Association’s cheery bike riding volunteers was part of the ‘caboose’ – the end I speed up to walk.  He and Charlie lifted the Asthma Walk direction signs as we passed and loaded them on his trike – as you can see in the picture, he had well over forty signs fastened.  Dave has FIFTY bikes in his garage!

EFFORTS and Angels, past and present, inspire and teach us to reach, to stretch, and EXERCISE for life. We had an EFFORTS Gathering at the Spaghetti Factory in downtown Seattle after the Walk… only four of us, Mary and Steve, Chuck and Sharon were able to attend, but we were an enthusiastic foursome AND brainstormed over future EFFORTS ‘happenings’… what is it about EFFORTS members that draw us together?  Passion and gratitude to and for EFFORTS leads the list...  EFFORTS teach us how to live again – as COPDers.

Thank you EFFORTS Angels, past and present!  God Bless!
                                                                                                                                                                                                  Sharon O’Hara, EFFORTS Ambassador