A SPECIAL SECTION OF
SUMMER ISSUE 2014
YMCA helps Willett battle COPD By CARLEA SCHULER
CNA staff writer cschuler@crestonnews.com
Darwin Willett, 68, was diagnosed with COPD in February 2012. At that time, breathing was so difficult he struggled to blow his nose. Today, Willett is exercising and his health has improved to the point where he can run two miles in 30 minutes. COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, is a progressive disease that makes it difficult to breathe. When Willett was a child, he was prone to catching pneumonia. He served in the Navy where he worked with asbestos and was a smoker for 40
years. All of the above increased his risk of COPD. Willett grew up in Murray. He went into the Navy in June of 1964, and was honorably discharged after four years. He then worked for Iowa Southern Utilities, which is now Alliant Energy, for 40 years. He retired at age 62. Since the disease is progressive, it never goes awway. Usually people with COPD get worse over time. This is not the case for Willett.
Please see COPD, Page 2