Give to listen to your heart

My name is Josée Lalonde and I’m 47 years old. I loved sports growing up, especially swimming. My teenage years weren’t always easy. I started indulging in bad habits at that time…including smoking.

Thirty-six years of smoking and several hospitalizations later, my respirologist diagnosed me with severe COPD, and I was even declared disabled. This was no surprise to me, as everything had become difficult: working, cooking, washing, walking and even eating.

My loved ones and even I didn’t recognize myself anymore. Being able to keep up with life had become impossible, and this realization hit me hard.

In the wake of accepting the disease and the grief that comes with it, I ended up doing my first rehabilitation program from home. After a week or two, however, I stopped exercising because I lacked motivation and support. Several months went by and my respirologist suggested a new rehabilitation program at the Quebec Lung Association. Eventually, I agreed, though I wasn’t too hopeful. As soon as I arrived at the Association, I knew that everything was going to be different this time. I was warmly welcomed and smoothly introduced to the group. The kinesiologist and respiratory therapist take charge and guide us through a comprehensive program of two sessions a week. They are on hand for everyone involved in the rehabilitation program.

There is a pleasant atmosphere and I have developed friendships that have made me feel not so alone with my situation. It was reassuring to meet people with different backgrounds and to support each other through the illness. We’re learning to cope better with our new reality and to enjoy the pleasure of being active for our own well-being. I’m happy to say that I’ve reclaimed my life, and so are the people around me. I’ve developed the discipline to train three days a week and to maintain a healthy lifestyle supporting my goals.

I am forever grateful to the Association and to its Inspir’er centre for the lifechanging encounters I’ve made, and for reminding me that sometimes all we really need is to be listened to, pushed and spurred on to become the best version of ourselves. They’ve given me a second wind!

Josée Lalonde.