LIVEWELL: Kate's Story
A Climb for Mom, a member of the 1 in 5.
This is my first time participating in the Climb. I'm really excited. However far I make it (and I'm aiming for the top!) – every step will be for Mom.
My mother's name is Betty Andres, and she really is an inspiration.
Mom lives with Atypical COPD caused by environmental toxins.
Seeing her struggle for breath is heartbreaking, but every day she shows so much courage. She engages with life as much as she can.
My Mom and Dad were married for 62 years, and did everything together. Sadly Dad passed away from cancer not too long ago, and Mom still finds it hard without him. But she keeps a gratitude journal to focus on small, everyday joys. We go for little outings – hot chocolate at Starbucks or a walk outside – a few times a week, and she's always so happy for the chance to enjoy those simple pleasures.
One thing I hope to bring awareness to is that COPD is not a “smoker’s disease”.
My mother never smoked – her illness is caused by environmental toxins. So often people’s impression is she must have smoked. Non-smokers need to understand that no one is immune from getting Atypical COPD. In general, we need to see COPD in a fuller and more compassionate light.
Mom hopes that as doctors follow her illness, there will be things they can learn about Atypical COPD to help someone else down the road. She has good days and bad days. She lives with me now, so I can care for her. There are many things she can no longer do, and that's a frustration, but she's learning to take life in smaller pieces. Together we focus on using her energy on good days to get out and build some good memories together.
This is my first time participating in the Climb. I'm really excited. However far I make it (and I'm aiming for the top!) – every step will be for Mom.
My mother's name is Betty Andres, and she really is an inspiration.
Mom lives with Atypical COPD caused by environmental toxins.
Seeing her struggle for breath is heartbreaking, but every day she shows so much courage. She engages with life as much as she can.
My Mom and Dad were married for 62 years, and did everything together. Sadly Dad passed away from cancer not too long ago, and Mom still finds it hard without him. But she keeps a gratitude journal to focus on small, everyday joys. We go for little outings – hot chocolate at Starbucks or a walk outside – a few times a week, and she's always so happy for the chance to enjoy those simple pleasures.
One thing I hope to bring awareness to is that COPD is not a “smoker’s disease”.
My mother never smoked – her illness is caused by environmental toxins. So often people’s impression is she must have smoked. Non-smokers need to understand that no one is immune from getting Atypical COPD. In general, we need to see COPD in a fuller and more compassionate light.
Mom hopes that as doctors follow her illness, there will be things they can learn about Atypical COPD to help someone else down the road. She has good days and bad days. She lives with me now, so I can care for her. There are many things she can no longer do, and that's a frustration, but she's learning to take life in smaller pieces. Together we focus on using her energy on good days to get out and build some good memories together.
I’m climbing as a member of Team LIVE WELL – a chain of exercise clinics aimed at helping those who struggle with chronic conditions.
I’m a part of a free introductory program for people called “Community Champions.”
Having suffered from anxiety and depression throughout my life, I know first-hand how difficult it is to afford mental health resources. That’s why some of my work colleagues and I started a non-profit to offer drop-in, by donation, mindfulness training classes to help people who struggle with stress, anxiety and depression.
Mom is my biggest supporter. She even joins some of our classes when she feels strong enough. But between work and caring for Mom, I can forget to take care of myself. My LIVE WELL exercise trainers, Sam and Callum, remind me how important it is to have balance in my life and remember my own wellbeing. I am so very grateful for their support. It helps me a lot.
Struggling for breath as I climb will show me how my mother feels daily.
Climbing the stairs at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is nothing compared to my mother’s ongoing struggle. I take inspiration from her daily – from her resilience and determination to live life fully.
To support Kate and the LIVE WELL team click HERE to make a donation.
I’m a part of a free introductory program for people called “Community Champions.”
Having suffered from anxiety and depression throughout my life, I know first-hand how difficult it is to afford mental health resources. That’s why some of my work colleagues and I started a non-profit to offer drop-in, by donation, mindfulness training classes to help people who struggle with stress, anxiety and depression.
Mom is my biggest supporter. She even joins some of our classes when she feels strong enough. But between work and caring for Mom, I can forget to take care of myself. My LIVE WELL exercise trainers, Sam and Callum, remind me how important it is to have balance in my life and remember my own wellbeing. I am so very grateful for their support. It helps me a lot.
Struggling for breath as I climb will show me how my mother feels daily.
Climbing the stairs at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is nothing compared to my mother’s ongoing struggle. I take inspiration from her daily – from her resilience and determination to live life fully.
To support Kate and the LIVE WELL team click HERE to make a donation.
