New Orleans-area residents who suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can now breathe easier thanks to the opening of the Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary & Cardiac Rehabilitation Center at Tulane Medical Center. The center is named after Grace Anne Dorney-Koppel, the wife of senior CBS Sunday Morning contributor and former Nightline anchor Ted Koppel. On Thursday, Sept. 8, the Koppels helped unveil the new center.
“Not being able to catch your breath – and the fear that your next breath might not be coming – is like drowning. Nothing is more frightening,” said Dorney-Koppel, who became a national spokesperson for COPD patients after being diagnosed with the disease herself more than 15 years ago. “Pulmonary rehabilitation is a breathing program based on the highest level of scientific evidence, and it can improve patient’s lives.”
“My wife was told she had three-to-five years left to live. She had 25 percent of her lung capacity,” said Ted Koppel at the grand opening event. “As a result of taking her medicine, daily pulmonary rehabilitation and exercising, she now has 50 percent [lung cap capacity].”
Koppel praised pulmonary rehab for improving his wife’s quality of life. “It’s not a cure, but it is a way that we can take care of the estimated 25 million people in this country who have [COPD].”
The Koppels formed the Dorney-Koppel Foundation to help fund the creation of eight such pulmonary and cardiac rehabilitation clinics.
“Our clinics are intended to empower people to learn about the management of their disease – to exercise, while being monitored – and to gradually get their lives back,” said Dorney-Koppel. “I’m delighted that this has happened so quickly [at Tulane].”
COPD is a nationwide problem, Dorney-Koppel said, noting that although an estimated 30 million Americans have the disease, only 15 million have been diagnosed. Also, COPD is the nation’s only disease in the top 10 leading causes of death that is seeing its numbers increase in recent years.
The new Tulane center is located on the hospital’s seventh floor. The space provides a comfortable treatment and exercise environment with a great deal of natural light and beautiful views of the New Orleans skyline. The location is also conveniently adjacent to the hospital’s pulmonary clinic and respiratory therapy department.
“The program encompasses a comprehensive team of individuals who work together to benefit the patient,” said Dr. Joseph Lasky, a pulmonologist with the Tulane Lung Center. “That team is made up of physicians, respiratory therapists and exercise physiologists, all working together to improve outcomes.
The total cost of the project represents an investment of nearly $480,000 in equipment, construction and human resources. The center will benefit patients and provide researching opportunities and education to healthcare workers and medical students.
“I am thrilled that this grand medical institution has seen fit to open this pulmonary rehab center,” said Koppel. “This service is the only thing that gives some patients hope.”
Photo 1: Ted Koppel and wife Grace Anne Dorney-Koppel prepare to cut the ceremonial ribbon, held by Tulane University School of Medicine Dean Dr. Lee Hamm, at the unveiling of Tulane Medical Center’s new Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary & Cardiac Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, Sept. 8.
Photo 2: Ted Koppel and Grace Anne Dorney-Koppel pose in front of the sign at Tulane Medical Center’s new Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary & Cardiac Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, Sept. 8.