Claycomo Plaza

Claycomo Plaza * 239 NE US HWY 69, Suite D * Claycomo, Mo. 64119 * FAX 816-413-0176

Dear Editor:

I am asking our lawmakers to please support HCON 197 IH. I have emphysema. It is terribly frightening when you must struggle with every breath you take.

We need research to treat or find a cure for this disease. We need to have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recognized if we are going to get this necessary research. We have numerous emphysema and COPD patients in our great state of Missouri.

They are sitting in their rockers, on their porches, waiting to die. These are our fathers, mothers, husbands, wives grandparents, brothers and sisters who have supported this great state for many years. Many have little or no insurance, and if they are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare, they are going without the expensive medications and oxygen to make their remaining years more comfortable.

They deserve better. There is no education and no rest for these patients, They are dying a terribly, slow, breathless death. Physicians are only recently learning that we can live a quality life with this

disease, but it involves compassion, education and rehabilitation. It involves more recognition and much, much more research.

If we are going to help these great Missourians then we need to start today, as time is running out for many and will continue running out for many in the future. We need research and education, now. We need help to get this recognition and research.

I am a member of a worldwide Internet e-mail membership of others that have emphysema and we are trying to get more funds for deeper research into COPD.

We do not accept moneys ourselves, but do help educate folks with the disease. Our Web site is at http://www.emphysema.net and our name is EFFORTS (Emphysema Foundation For Our Right To Survive).

Once again I ask you to please support HCON 197 IH.

Pat Crowe
Jefferson City