My grandmother had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). I remember how she struggled to breathe and the devastating impact that it had on her life. Join me and the All-Star Race Team to raise awareness about COPD, America's 4^th leading cause of death. Together, we hope to screen 1 million people who may be at risk for COPD before it steals another person's ability to breathe.

I vividly recall how my grandmother struggled to simply breathe when I was younger. Over time, it became more and more difficult for my grandmother to do everyday activities and take part in family get-togethers. It absolutely tormented me to see how hard it was for her to do something so simple, like breathe. For a long time, we didn't know what was wrong with her and we didn't know how to help her, but we eventually found out she had a lung disease called emphysema which is a form of COPD.

That's why I am raising awareness about this common and debilitating health crisis as a spokesperson for the DRIVE4COPD campaign. COPD includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, or both, and it is the 4^th leading cause of death in our country.

COPD affects as many as 24 million Americans, but most people don't even know what it is or that they may be at risk.

Shortness of breath or a cough that won't go away are not normal and may be signs of COPD. Take action by answering a five-question screener to see if you may be at risk for it, and encourage any loved ones to take action as well. Getting diagnosed and talking to your doctor so you can manage your symptoms is important. There are steps you can take to breathe better if you are diagnosed. You owe it to yourself and your family.