In recognition of the 2017 Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, March 12 to 18, Hoyt Ervin and Misty Fancher were crowned the “Pulmonary Rehab King and Queen” during a special celebration at St. Mary Medical Center. Both patients are active members of the hospital’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program.
“Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week is a nationally recognized celebration that highlights the role of pulmonary rehabilitation in improving the quality of life for individuals with lung disease,” said Lori Turco, RN, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation supervisor at St. Mary Medical Center. “During the week, we honor two of our patients, celebrating their perseverance and positivity in battling their lung disease.”
Ervin has been an active participant of the hospital’s cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program since 2010, for management of his asthma symptoms and, most recently, for recovery from a coronary stent placement. Asthma causes major breathing issues for Ervin when he falls ill but he has always been faithful in returning to the exercise program.
“My motto is ‘keep moving,’” he said. “You have to be your own advocate and never give up! The rehab staff is caring and very knowledgeable – they are there to help you.”
Fancher joined the rehab program in 2013 to manage her lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis, an inherited disease that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. Despite the stress of waiting for a bilateral lung transplant, Fancher maintains an upbeat attitude and always has a smile on her face.
“The best advice I can give to others battling lung disease is to stay positive,” she said. “Don’t let the disease control you. Accept your limitations but make the most of all that you can do!”
St. Mary Medical Center offers regular screenings that can assess a person’s risk for heart disease and other related medical conditions. Visit www.comhs.org for a complete listing of upcoming screenings and assessments near you.
