Fight for Air Climb - Dallas, TX

Having had severe asthma since 12 and having been hospitalized nine times since 1992, it is impossible to convey to my friends just what it's like to go through my day dependent on an inhaler, never knowing when I'll have an attack or when a coughing spell will send me into a bout of fatigue.

I have one friend in particular who I experience a great deal of frustration with when it comes to trying to explain to her just what I go through with my asthma and why I tend to be tired a lot. When you're not getting enough air into your lungs, you tend to not get enough rest. She just doesnt grasp that I can't carry on a conversation with her on the phone when I'm in the middle of a breathing treatment, for instance.

Or, that I can't do heavy housework or yard work when I'm in the middle of an asthma attack.

Sometimes I just want to say, jokingly, "Come here, let me choke you so you can see how it feels."

The American Lung Association's Dallas Chapter in Texas will have their annual Fight for Air Climb Feb. 26th at the Renaissance Tower, 1201 Elm Street in Dallas and the contact is Peggy Nolan (214-631-5864, #202, or pnolan@breathehealthy.org).

Fight for Air Climbs are unique fundraising events for the Association and there are usually a limited spots available for each climb so be sure to sign up early.

Call 800-LUNG-USA to contact your local agency nearest you for more information about these events or go to http://www.lungusa.org/donate/events/fight-for-air-climb/.

In unrelated health news, on May 14, the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Greater Fort Worth is presenting a Juggernaut Mud Run Challenge, a 5K (3.1 mile) adventure that has 15 "out of this world" obstacles. Learn more at beatthejuggernaut.com.

You can also power up for the cure with Ambit Energy by generating a donation to Komen Greater Fort Worth monthly when you pay your electric bill. For more information, see powerupforthecure.com online.

Through July, check out Freda's Fancy Bracelets for Breast Cancer. Twenty-five percent of sales benefit Komen Greater Fort Worth. The website is fredasfancy.com.

Watch for Stark Air's pink trucks around town in the city. Portions of all service calls will be donated back to Komen Greater Fort Worth with a minimum donation of $2,000. See their website at starkair.com on the Web.

A hospital visitation policy protecting same-sex couples took effect Jan.18, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund.

"Of all the things same-sex couples have to worry about, of all the discrimination and pressures we face, not being able to see our partner or spouse shouldn't be one of them," said Rea Carey, executive director in a press release. "This new policy will have a positive impact on same-sex couples and our families throughout the nation."