Since 1908 Canadians have made a difference in the lives of people with lung disease by supporting the Lung Association’s Christmas Seals campaign. At first, Christmas Seals helped in the crusade against tuberculosis.
More than a century later, the statistics regarding lung disease are still staggering: one in five Canadians have lung disease.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the number one cause of hospitalization in Canada, asthma affects at least 13 percent of our children and lung cancer kills more people than breast, ovarian, colon and prostate combined.
Today, Christmas Seals and the work of the Lung Association extends to chronic lung diseases like asthma and COPD,preventing tobacco use, and advocating for healthier air quality.
“Christmas Seals are a symbol of hope,” says Michael Jessen, volunteer BC Lung Association director for Nelson. “We thank all of our donors for their generosity and ask Canadians who are concerned about healthy lungs and healthy air to give generously to the Christmas Seals campaign.
“Environmental toxins, allergens and chemicals are attacking our lungs. Even within our own four walls, radon and mould pose hidden risks,” says Jessen. “Between contaminants, second-hand smoke, sleep disorders, and an aging population, ignore the growing challenges of lung disease.”
The Lung Association depends on the generosity of British Columbians to continue to fund ground breaking research and public education regarding lung disease and clean air.
“We hope British Columbians give as much as they can this holiday season,” says Jessen. “This year’s fundraising goal is $1million dollars, and every donation large or small helps get us closer to that goal.”
You can donate by calling 1-800-665-5864 or visiting bc.lung.ca.