A year and a half ago,
Wheaton resident Daniel Dolan-Laughlin was given two or three days to live. On
Tuesday morning, the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease survivor and
double-lung transplant recipient was honored at the White House for his
volunteer efforts. Dolan-Laughlin, a retired railroad executive and American Lung Association
volunteer, was one of 11 people honored as "Champions of Change" who are working
on the front lines to protect public health in a changing climate. "I've
supported cleaner air and efforts to clean up the air for five or six years," he
said. "It was not until my near tragedy and comeback that I decided to do what I
could to give back to the American Lung Association in any way I could."
Dolan-Laughlin has since given testimony in Environmental Protection Agency
hearings regarding power plant pollution and automobile tailpipe emissions. He
also volunteers to meet with government officials in support of stronger clean
air regulations and regularly leads lung association "Better Breathers Club"
meetings to help others cope with COPD. "We call on politicians and advocate for
the hundreds of thousands of people who don't get a chance to plead for their
cause," he said. "I try to be their voice." The Champions of
Change program was created as an opportunity for the
White House to feature groups of Americans — individuals, businesses and
organizations — who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire
members of their communities. Dolan-Laughlin, honored and humbled by his
selection, called the assembly of "champions" a powerful group.
I’d like to thank Paul Sjordal for allowing me to
use pieces from his newsletter. If you would like to receive a copy of Paul’s
newsletter you can contact him at: psjordal@yahoo.com
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