COPD affects approximately 24 million Americans, is a major cause of disability, and is the third leading cause of death in the United States. The mission of COPD the Cure is to accelerate COPD research so that human studies can be commenced in order to end the suffering of millions of patients in the U.S. and worldwide. This is a moral issue. We must help the suffering and fear that this disease causes. COPD is a progressive disease meaning it continues to worsen over time. COPD the Cure has one goal, find a way to reverse the damage done by COPD and give millions of patients the ability to lead a normal life free of medications and oxygen. In the United States COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, most people with COPD have both conditions. At the present time patients have only medications, oxygen and lifestyle changes to alleviate symptoms that usually worsen over time, which eventually leads to an agonizing death. The time is now to accelerate this progressive research. Those affected cannot only be helped with the debilitating symptoms they live with every day, but can be cured. Our mission will not be over until this is achieved. Richard S. Taubman, M.D., F.A.C.O.G. COPD the Cure