Congratulations to our COPD Supreme Achievers for 2011

For photos of all our Achievers check out our Facebook page 

Maori COPD - Nita Rouse (Ngapuhi), aged 68, Napier

When initially diagnosed with COPD, Nita struggled for breath.  But she wanted to ‘take charge’ of the management of COPD in order to live life to the full.  Smoke-free for over 10 years, Nita also took steps to understand the management of exacerbations – how to prevent them and how to treat them with the right medications.  Working at The Warehouse during the day, Nita is also an active member of the Maori Wardens and often fills the night shift duties.  She welcomed the Canadian, French and Japanese rugby teams during their visits to Hawkes Bay over the Rugby World Cup tournament with her warm smile and beautiful generosity.  Nita is a wonderful example of someone taking control of COPD so that it doesn’t control her.  One judge described her as a ‘super achiever’ and therefore well deserving of this award.

 Open COPD - George Anderson aged 76, Napier

In 2008, George completed a pulmonary rehabilitation group course before joining the COPD support group in the Hawke’s Bay.  These two seemingly minor events have had significant impacts on his wellbeing and on the lives of other members in the group. George says the COPD support group has taught him to understand the benefits of exercise for his respiratory health.  And so he attends the gym five times a week, and goes out of his way to provide transport for others to attend. George has had recent eye surgery and is due to have a hip replacement.  Yet that hasn’t stopped him from his commitments – to being physically active and as mentor and motivational speaker at the group.  The person nominating George, describing herself as an “admirer”, says, “we would be lost without him”.  The judging panel agreed.

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