PERF, The Pulmonary Education and Research Foundation, is a small but vigorous non-profit foundation.  We are dedicated to providing help, and general information for those with chronic respiratory disease through education, research, and information.  This publication is one of the ways we do that.  The Second Wind is not intended to be used for, or relied upon, as specific advice in any given case.  Prior to initiating or changing any course of treatment based on the information you find here, it is essential that you consult with your physician.  We hope you find this newsletter of interest and of help

Christmas Spirit

Do you think that Christians are the only ones who can get caught up in the Christmas spirit? Well, think again. Our Japanese friends happily tell us that, while they are good Buddhists, in the month of December they join us in traditional Christmas celebrations. Tetsuji Watenabe, of the Teijin Company sent us a unique Christmas card of a large Buddha surrounded by miniature Santa Clauses busily sweeping off snow. And inside, was a generous check for PERF in honor of Mary. With typical modesty, he wrote, "I hope my small donation will be somewhat helpful for COPD treatment. The amount I sent is small but it is "a poor one's small candle". What is "a poor one's small candle"? In the old days, Buddha visited a town in India to give a religious speech. Lots of rich people gathered around him to listen, holding big candles to light up this holy place. There came in a very poor old lady with a very small candle in her hand. People laughed at her small candle, which she had sold her hair to get. Buddha began his religious talk when suddenly a big wind arose, blowing out all the candles but that of the old lady. Buddha said, "Look at her candle, everyone. The old lady's candle is small but its light glows large with faith." Tetsuji described his donation as a "small candle". Your "small candle", Tetsuji, along with all the others we credited earlier, is helping to provide the light for a brighter future for those with respiratory disease. Thank you all! 

And speaking of a brighter future, please remember the Rehabilitation Clinical Trials Center at Harbor-UCLA in Torrance, CA. It has many ongoing studies, for men and women. If you live in driving distance, give them a call at (310) 222-8276 and learn more about what might be of special interest to you.

There is much more information, news and pictures, to share with you but it will have to wait until next month. Your editor took her own advice. She reduced her stress by cutting back to one combined November-December newsletter! Be sure to read the January newsletter for more information about the treatment of COPD in Norway, as well as the hottest topics here in the United States. If you have any particular requests, call, write or e-mail and we will try to cover that information.

As we end the year of 2002, we wish Happy Holidays to all of you from all of us. May you be blessed with a healthy and happy New Year! 

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