From the Desk of Linda Civitello-Joy, CEO
Breathe California
Golden Gate Public Health Partnership

We often identify ourselves as a “voluntary health organization”. You may wonder what this means. It has several connotations, but to me, the activity of July 14, at our Annual Bike for Breath, really exemplified voluntary health.

Folks volunteered their time to help us put on a fantastic event! Over 900 riders registered to cycle through the Peninsula. As the riders went on their journey they were monitored, fed and supplied with water by volunteers. Team captains volunteered to form teams, recruit riders and motivate their team members to raise funds. And raise funds they did, as we are close to receiving $180,000 and the dollars are still coming in.

The many educational exhibits that were available were largely staffed by volunteers who further helped inform folks about lung health. Even the riders who got on their bikes were voluntarily improving their health. The fund raising teams and their supporters who donated to this event, voluntarily help us provide lung health services to the community.

Some of the teams, were riding to make folks aware of specific lung health issues. For example the LAM Foundation focuses on a rare lung disease, Lymphangioleiomyomatosis which primarily affects women of childbearing age. The LAM team included Mari Patton who has this disease and wants others to become aware of it. Team Second Wind, has members who have received lung transplants and want to bring awareness to the need for organ donations. These volunteer teams are a critical part of the voluntary health movement.

Together we are doing our best to help ensure that breathing is not a struggle or risk. You can become part of this voluntary health movement yourself by contacting us today. We need your time, talent and treasure to fight lung disease, promote clean air and public health.

Best wishes, Linda

P.S. Email me right now!

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From the Desk of Linda Civitello-Joy, CEO
Breathe California
Golden Gate Public Health Partnership

Did you know that I promoted healthy air as a volunteer for nine years before I accepted a paid position with the predecessor organization to Breathe California? One of my first volunteer assignments was to help organize a conference that addressed the benefits of smoke-free offices in San Francisco. That’s right, offices were havens of smokers – everyone breathed second-hand smoke! We have come a long way since then, but the battle continues.

We have significant increases in asthma and other breathing disorders related to our behavior and our unhealthy environment. At Breathe California we strive to educate everyone about these problems and publicize the information and resources that everyone needs.

We know that when you come to our web site, call or email us, you are serious about helping yourself, a loved-one or a friend — someone who has a breathing-related problem. I want you to know that our staff and volunteers are passionate about the work we do to help you and your loved ones breathe healthy.

We are doing our best to help you, but you can help us become even better. Please email me with any questions, suggestions or comments that you might have. I look forward to hearing from you.

By the way, did I mention that you can become a volunteer too? Start with something that you feel comfortable doing – and meet all of the other wonderful volunteers and staff. I look forward to meeting you.

Best wishes, Linda

P.S. Email me right now!

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