This blog post was authored by Alyssa Dittner, BS, RRT, and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee

A diagnosis of chronic lung disease can leave people and their families feeling confused. Bambi Miller understands that feeling first-hand because her husband lives with both COPD and bronchiectasis. She has refocused those feelings into a new career path and a passion for raising awareness for chronic lung conditions.

Bambi’s husband was diagnosed with COPD in 1990. After he was hospitalized many times that year, Bambi decided to take action. She left her job as a secretary and went back to school for a career in respiratory therapy. She is currently a respiratory therapist at Cone Health in Greensboro, NC.

“I continue to try and learn everything I can about lung disease to help him. My husband was diagnosed with an additional condition called bronchiectasis. After this, he tried and failed at using many mucus-clearing devices,” Bambi said.

These devices help move mucus so it is easier to cough it up. When he found a device that would help improve his symptoms, insurance declined it. After that, Bambi decided to raise awareness by repurposing shoelaces into bracelets, key chains and lanyards and donating the profits to research.

The respiratory team at her local hospital is supportive of her fundraising efforts. Bambi sees the effect raising awareness can have on increasing education and funding.

“I love seeing people’s eyes light up when they understand more about this lung disease,” she said. “We can spread awareness by talking about lung disease, raising money and learning more information.”

Bambi uses educational materials on diagnosis, treatment and research from the Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 website.

Visit Bronchiectasis and NTM 360 to learn more.