George W. Bush

“ Approximately 16 million American adults suffer from a devastating disease for which there is no cure. The disease is called Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) , and it is a growing problem in this country and throughout the world. COPD claims more than 100,000 lives per year, drains the American economy of an estimated $30.4 billion each year, and is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States today, exceeded only by heart disease, cancer, and stroke. ”

“ Since the symptoms progress gradually, COPD patients may not even realize in the early stages that they have the disease. Over the years, as the lung damage continues, breathing becomes increasingly difficult. ”