COPD advocate inspires others

Nov. 12, 2025: When Lisa Hall of Bertha was 47, a pulmonary function test and CT scan confirmed what years of severe childhood and adult asthma had set in motion: full-blown Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The diagnosis didn’t come as a complete surprise — COPD runs in her family, and her father and several relatives also live with chronic lung conditions.

Today, Hall’s daughter experiences only intermittent asthma, while her 3-year-old granddaughter is already being treated for early breathing issues. Even so, Hall’s message is clear: Life doesn’t end with a diagnosis.

“My diagnosis scared me, but I learned it’s not over,” she says. “If I avoid illness and take my medications as instructed, I can live a pretty normal life. My friends and family understand my pace, and my advocacy gives me purpose.”

For Hall, that purpose shows up in two ways:

• Daily resilience. She focuses on staying healthy, avoiding colds and flu, following her care plan, and giving herself grace on slower days.
• Advocacy for others. She champions policy changes that help patients remain independent, including the SOAR Act, which would make it easier for people who rely on supplemental oxygen to safely leave their homes.

Bailey McCrary, senior manager of advocacy and public policy for the COPD Foundation, says Hall’s impact is significant.

“Lisa is an inspiration for what is possible when individuals with COPD treat themselves with compassion, take charge of their health, and advocate for better lung care. We are lucky to have her in the COPD Foundation Captains Program.”

Lakewood's Dr. Adrianne Moen agrees that COPD, while chronic, is highly manageable with the right support.

“Some patients don’t realize how much they’re struggling until treatment starts and they are breathing better,” she said.

Hall also wants people to know that COPD isn’t only a smoker’s disease — environmental exposures, chemicals, pollution, and genetics can all contribute.

Her best advice: “Move a little every day. Walk or do what you can, even when it’s hard. Don’t give up. With some special considerations, we can live full, quality lives.”

That’s why Hall is inviting the community to Lakewood's "Walk With A Doc" on Thursday, Nov. 13, focused on COPD awareness.
Led by Dr. Moen, the walk begins at 5:15 p.m. at Lakewood’s main entrance in Staples.

All are welcome as we walk in honor of COPD, share encouragement, and learn simple steps to support lung health.