2008 - 09Annual Report

Table of Contents1. Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors

2. Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer

3. 2008 - 2009 Highlights

4. TLA Professional Sections

5. Lung Champions Circle

6. Lung Champion Iain Marchi

7. Lung Champion Shawn Strachan

8. Statement of Operations

It has been a privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors for The Lung Association, Alberta & NWT (TLA). I have seen many successes during my time as chair.

The achievement we should be most proud of is our work to see that all aspects of lung health come under one roof with a more unified approach. TLA helped in the set-up of Alberta Breathes - a provincial respiratory strategy. We met with government representatives to speak on behalf of lung health professionals and on behalf of those suffering from lung diseases. Our message has been heard. The government has agreed to help establish a lung health network. This shows that by working together with health professionals and lung organizations we can build a strong and unified approach to lung health.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Doug Fletcher, whose term on the board ended this January. Doug has worked selflessly on behalf of the board for years, including a term as chair. He has been a significant contributor to TLA’s successes over the years. I personally, and on behalf of the board and staff of the TLA, sincerely thank you.

In closing, I would also like to thank Richard Shuhany, all of the board members, Tony Hudson and all the TLA staff for their help during the last year, and during my entire time as board chair. I am looking forward to working with our new chair, Anne Marie Downey, towards a promising future for TLA.

Respectfully submitted,

Dr. Brent Winston, MD, FRCPC, FACP, FCCP. FCCMBoard ChairThe Lung Association, Alberta & NWT

2008-09

Message from the Chair of the Board of Directors

The Lung Association Annual Report

2008 - 2009 Board of Directors

Executive MembersDr. Brent Winston, Chair Paul Borrett, Treasurer Tom Watts, Secretary Doug Fletcher

Anne Marie Downey, Vice-Chair Richard Shuhany, Past Chair Dr. Richard Leigh, M&SS Chair & Board Representative Ingrid MeierDoreen Tennant, RHCP Chair & Board Representative Kate Hurlburt

Message from the President and Chief Executive OfficerBack in 1949, one of our first board chairs, RW Roscoe, shared a vision that volunteers, donors, funding partners, medical leaders, people with lung disease and our dedicated staff team would meet together on a common ground to advance the prevention, treatment and understanding of lung diseases. As I reflect on the work we have accomplished this past year, I am certain Mr. Roscoe would be proud.

TLA is the only provincial, non-governmental organization in Alberta that deals with sleep disordered breathing. We once again hosted the Alberta Sleep Forum that brought together sleep professionals from across Canada to share and collaborate on everything sleep.

This year we were also excited to launch our largest research project ever. TLA is funding a two year, $300,000 team research grant that brings together researchers from the Universities of Calgary and Alberta. The project will lead to improved respiratory care for children in emergency departments in the province.

I am also extremely proud of the development of The Second Breath Program. Thanks to dedicated donations we are now able to provide a helpful basket of assistance to people receiving lung transplants at the University of Alberta Hospital.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Nasi Schnell, who has hosted a golf tournament in support of sleep apnea for the past 10 years. The tournament raised over $250,000 and supported the provision of vital medical equipment to Albertans with sleep apnea for his dedication and enthusiasm for the cause. We appreciate his dedication and enthusiasm for the cause.

Despite the challenging economic times, thanks to the ongoing support of our donors and funding partners, TLA was not only able to continue its valuable programming but we were able to add new programs and activities. For this I am extremely proud and grateful.

Sincerely,

Tony Hudson,President & CEOThe Lung Association, Alberta & NWT

The Lung Association Annual Report 2008-09

2008 - 2009 HighlightsThe Lung Association, Alberta & NWT (TLA) staff and supporters dedicate themselves year-round to advancing lung health. It is truly inspiring to see what work has been accomplished throughout the year.

OCTOBER 2008

Alberta Sleep ForumOn October 29 and 30, Alberta Sleep Forum 2008 brought together health professionals from all disciplines. United by an interest in sleep medicine care and research, delegates engaged in a selection of clinical and scientific interactive sessions.

SweepstakesEach year, TLA holds an exclusive Sweepstakes draw for their loyal donors. The 2008 Sweepstakes winner was Oscar Fontaine who was able to choose between a seven day Mediterrainean cruise or a 14-day Maritimes cruise. Thank you Oscar for your continued support.

Coast2Coast ChallengeThe Canadian Lung Association (CLA) launched a virtual walk to raise awareness about COPD. The Coast2Coast Challenge brought together people from across Canada in a national effort to collectively cover the distance from British Columbia to Newfoundland – all to raise awareness of COPD.

NOVEMBER 2008

Faces of COPDCLA launched the Faces of COPD campaign. The campaign featured 12 personal stories of Canadians with COPD, of their family members, and of health care professionals who research and treat this chronic condition.

World COPD DayNovember 19 marked World COPD Day and also the completion of the Coast2Coast Challenge. To bring attention

to the national campaign and raise awareness for COPD, TLA conducted a large-scale media campaign garnering attention from a number of media outlets including CBC, Shaw and Global.

2008-09 The Lung Association Annual Report

The Lung Association Annual Report 2008-09

DECEMBER 2008

The Second Breath Program Transplant patients, along with their loved ones, face incredible extra costs like food, accommodation, parking, travel and medical equipment. These costs add up quickly and can reach up to $10,000 or more. The Second Breath Program, launched this year, provides financial support to individuals who have recently undergone a lung transplant surgery at the University of Alberta Hospital.TLA offers a Second Breath Gift Basket valued at $1000. It is to be used towards the recipient’s greatest needs. There is hope in the future to secure additional funding for more extensive support to a greater number of transplant patients, as well as the creation of a Lung House. On December 18 a gift basket was presented to the first recipient, Jerry Krampl.

Christmas SealsIn 2008, The Lung Association celebrated the 100th anniversary of its successful Christmas Seals fundraising campaign. The campaign also saw the introduction of the digital Christmas Seal. This gave donors the option to place a festive digital Christmas Seal tag into their email signature.

One example of the many digital seals:

JANUARY 2009

National Non-Smoking Week To celebrate National Non-Smoking Week 2009, held from January 18 - 24, CLA launched a new campaign called “Celebrating Quitters”. Canadians shared their quit stories to inspire and motivate others to quit smoking.

MARCH 2009

World Tuberculosis DayOn March 24, World Tuberculosis (TB) Day was held to mark the discovery of the cause of the disease. The day also promoted general TB awareness - although TB rates in Canada are generally low, some groups of Canadians still have very high rates. TLA stays committed to informing these groups of the disease. We offer a series of educational brochures and ensure that health centres across Alberta and NWT are in regular supply.

National Sleep Awareness WeekNational Sleep Awareness Week, which took place from March 1 - 8, promoted awareness of sleep diseases such as sleep apnea. TLA partnered with the sleep community to conduct a province-wide media campaign to raise awareness about sleep apnea.

APRIL 2009

Breath WishesLaunched in April, Breath Wishes offers businesses and individuals a unique, charitable way of celebrating birthdays. Donations of $250, $375, and $500 to the Breath Wishes program provide individuals with a box of 25 beautifully designed birthday cards, along with a charitable receipt from TLA.

Lung Research FundTLA held the 2009 Spring Research campaign to raise funds for provincial research. Donation forms were mailed out and spring seals were provided for people to show their support on mailed letters and packages.

Alberta Asthma & Allergies Door-to-Door Campaign From March 9 - April 10, thousands of volunteers walked door-to-door collecting donations for the Asthma & Allergies campaign. Thank you to all of the dedicated volunteers.

MAY 2009

Breath of HopeBreath of Hope was an annual school-based event to raise donations for ground-breaking lung disease research in the province. TLA hosted its sixth annual, and sadly last, Breath of Hope event from May 25 - 29, 2009.

World Asthma DayWorld Asthma Day (WAD) takes place on the first Tuesday in May, and is organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma. It aims to raise awareness about managing asthma, a disease that affects 300 million people worldwide. This year, CLA chose to spotlight work-related asthma. TLA supported this event by coordinating the implementation of several Wal-Mart asthma screening clinics, designed to educate the public about asthma treatment and management.

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CongratulationsTLA congratulated the federal government for its amendments to the federal Tobacco Act. Changes included a restriction on cigarillos and blunt wraps to be sold in packages of no less than 20, a ban on flavours and additives in tobacco products (along with a prohibition on any graphic description or depiction of such flavours), and a ban on print or electronic advertising and promotion of tobacco products that may be viewed by youth.

World No Tobacco DayOn World No Tobacco Day, May 25, 2009, The Lung Association invited quitters to share their success stories in hopes of inspiring others to quit.

NWT Asthma & Allergies Door-to-Door Campaign Door-to-Door Asthma & Allergies campaign took place from May 11 - May 31 in the Northwest Territories. Thank you to all the hundreds of fantastic volunteers.

ArtworksTLA hosted an exclusive draw for donors to win one of 16 original artworks or limited edition framed prints.

JUNE 2009

Clean Air DayTo mark Clean Air Day on June 3, CLA conducted a poll which signified that a majority of Canadians want their provincial and federal governments to make clean air a top priority despite tough economic times.

Pets on PlanesCLA was disappointed by Air Canada’s and Westjet’s plan to allow pets on flights, creating potential emergencies for flight crew and passengers who suffer from lung diseases like asthma or COPD. A poll carried out by CLA found that 74 per cent of Albertans feel that airlines should offer pet-free flights.

The Lung Association Annual Report 2008-09

JULY 2009

The Second Breath ProgramOur second Second Breath gift basket was delivered to Myles, pictured with his supportive wife Marilyn. Myles was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a chronic disease causing swelling and scarring of the alveoli (air sacs) and interstitial tissues of the lungs. The prognosis was not good and before long he found himself on oxygen waiting for a lung transplant. He received his new lungs in June and began to look forward to returning to Calgary to play his grandchildren. The gift basket helped him and his wife with groceries, parking and fuel. They were grateful for the support and thank the generous donors who make the program possible.

Pets on Planes IICLA, continuing in its efforts to advocate for pet-free flights, launched an online campaign to encourage all Canadians to take action by sending an online message to the federal government.

Online DatabaseCLA launched a new online database with asthma, COPD, pulmonary rehabilitation, lung test and spirometry resources. This service allows people with lung disease to search the database for local lung disease programs and services.

Lotsa Helping HandsIn July, TLA partnered with Lotsa Helping Hands to provide a unique and easy way to create an online caregiving community made up of friends and family that lend a hand to a loved one during their time of need. Using a private calendar, a person can outline the activities they need help with on a daily basis. The caregiving community can then sign up to lend a hand for specific tasks. You can sign up for a Lotsa Helping Hands community by visiting TLA’s website.

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AUGUST 2009

Second Breath Gift Basket RecipientOur third Second Breath gift basket was delivered to Wayne in August.

In 2007, Wayne was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. He quickly began treatment and shortly after he entered the lung tranplant program and received a new set of lungs in July 2009.

Every day he feels blessed to be breathing easier. Like the other Second Breathe recipients, he is grateful to TLA for recognizing the difficult times a person faces during the lung transplant process.

Today, Wayne is a dedicated Lung Champion who is always willing to tell his story and remind the public about the importance of TLA’s work.

SEPTEMBER 2009

Flu ProjectsTLA continued to advertise informative messages that encouraged people to get their flu shots. They also continued to remind the public that proper hand washing is the best defence againts germs, influenze and other infectious diseases.

The Lung Association Annual Report 2008-09

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TLA partners with health care professionals through two medical sections, the Respiratory Health Care Professionals (RHCP) section and the Medical & Scientific Section (M&SS).

RHCP is a multidisciplinary group that provides health care to Albertans with respiratory conditions. This group consists of health care professionals dedicated to the prevention of respiratory disease.

M&SS is comprised of physicians and scientists who investigate the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of lung disease. These groups provide counsel and funding recommendations to help ensure funds get channeled to qualified research projects.

TLA would like to acknowledge the dedication of both our memberships, specifically the M&SS and RHCP Councils:

M&SS COUNCIL RHCP COUNCILRichard Leigh, Chair Doreen Tennant, ChairHarissios Vliagoftis, Vice-Chair Ellen BuchananIrvin Mayers Janel CarleyChristopher Mody Julie GaalaasSheldon Spier Colleen MakarowskiCarina Majaesic Ron McFadyenRichard Long

M &SS Research RepresentativesPat HanlyDarryl AdamkoMichael SticklandMark GiembyczDavid ProudWarren DavidsonDilini VethanayagamShabih U. HasanDean Befus

Professional Sections

Lung Champions CircleThe Lung Champions Circle (LCC) recognizes individuals who give at a level of $500 or more to TLA. Support from the LCC plays a vital role in helping us to bridge the gap between the increasing needs in our community and the services available to meet these needs.

In 2009, the generosity of our Lung Champions helped fund critical medical research and community health education

programs that will take us one breath closer to ensuring that anyone with a lung disease – and their family and caregivers – can count on our vital support services and resources when they need them most.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to members of the Lung Champions Circle:

Lung Champion Visionary: $25,000+

Lung Champion Patron: $10,000 - $24,9991 Anonymous Patron

Lung Champion Leader: $5,000 - $9,999Dennis & Teresa Hockett 1 Anonymous Leader

Lung Champion Partner: $2,500 - $4,999Tony Hudson 1 Anonymous Partner

Lung Champion Builder: $1,000 - $2,499Audrey Guedo Nina SnyderGwyneth E. Mason Richard L. Morris41 Anonymous Builders

Lung Champion Friend: $500 - $999Hans Benary Mervin D. OnessGreg M. Bowen Louise & Ron PoelzerBrian A. Chatwin Lorna & Roger SmithD.H. Christie James & Phyllis TorrieShirley I. Edwards Blake H. VickersPatricia Knipe Paul ValentineBetty Mottus 100 Anonymous Friends

The Lung Association Annual Report 2008-09

Iain Marchi is our littlest Lung Champion.

The letter to the left reads:

“Dear Lung Ass’n, My name is Iain and I gave you this donation because my Grandma and Grandpa are on oxygen. And I got the money by myself. I made bracelets. From Iain”

Iain’s Mom Monica explains, “Iain raised money for a donation to the Lung Association by making beaded bracelets and selling them. He was five years old when he started making them (in April), and was able to send $108 to the Lung Association at the end of July. He has now turned six. Iain has two grandparents with C.O.P.D. who are on oxygen full-time”.

Iain, TLA and all the people who benefit from donations like yours sincerely thank you.

Lung Champion Iain Marchi

The Lung Association Annual Report 2008-09

Lung Champion Shawn StrachanShawn Strachan has only 52 per cent use of his lungs, but that hasn’t stopped this 45-year-old with asthma from competing in triathlons – an activity that many with normal lung capacity would hesitate to consider.

When he was 11, Shawn Strachan was diagnosed with asthma. Up until his thirties, asthma ruled his activities and hindered his ability to participate in many sports. He decided to stop letting asthma control his life. In 2004, a colleague challenged Shawn to participate in the Stony Plain triathlon in Alberta. So he started training. “I couldn’t quite keep up with everybody and I thought maybe I was just out of shape, but my lungs just weren’t the same,” he told an Edmonton Journal reporter in an interview.

Shawn visited a lung specialist and learned how limited his lung capacity was. Undeterred from his goal, Shawn worked with doctors, so he could continue to train. Armed with an asthma action plan, Shawn knew exactly what to do if he had any trouble breathing. Through dedication and relentless training, Shawn crossed the finish line of his first triathlon race with friends and family cheering him on.

Since then, Shawn has participated in several triathlons, using his puffer whenever he needs it. “It’s like trying to breathe through a straw while you’re running, so it’s extremely hard to get air in and out.”

Shawn faced his greatest challenge yet when he participated in the 2009 Ironman race in Kona, Hawaii. Known as the ultimate triathlon challenge, Shawn’s lungs powered him through a 42-kilometre marathon, a four-kilometre swim and a 180-km bike ride.

Shawn is not only a role model, he’s a Lung Association donor. “I support The Lung Association because of the amazing work they do to improve the lives of people with asthma. The funds they raise to support asthma research, all they do to increase awareness and their education programs make a great difference. They truly help people with asthma, and all respiratory illnesses, breathe easier.”

2008-09 The Lung Association Annual Report

** A full financial summary is available upon request

Statement of Operations2009

RevenueDirect Mail Campaigns $ 1,340,891Other Campaigns 803,120Grant Revenue 526,183Gaming Revenue 707,949Other Income 141,827

3,519,970Expenses

Fundraising 1,629,062Health Initiatives 1,009,803Adminstration 423,728Research and Education Grants 419,426National Initiatives 234,263Amortization 37,048Loss on disposal of property and equipment 12,230

3,765,560

Excess (Deficiency) of Revenue over Expenses (245,590)

2008-09 The Lung Association Annual Report

62% - Programs & Services

25% - Research & Grants

10% - Fundraising

3% - Operating

How Funds Are Spent

47% - Direct Mail

19% - Grants

11% - Bequests & Memorials

23% - Special Events and Other Initiatives

The Lung Association Annual Report 2008-09

How Funds Are Raised(based on a five year average)

(based on a five year average)

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