Patty Loveless is calling on the country music community to join her quest to raise awareness about COPD – or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – the disease that took her sister’s life at age 48. Patty has been a leader among the DRIVE4COPD ambassadors in a friendly competition to screen the most people at risk for COPD, but knows her work has just begun.

“There are 12 million people in the U.S. who may have COPD and don’t even know it, so it’s time to spread the word,” said Patty. “When my sister suffered with emphysema, which is a form of COPD, I hadn’t even heard of the disease. That just shouldn’t be happening in this day and age.”

DRIVE4COPD is a multi-year public health initiative aiming to reach millions of Americans about the need for early detection of COPD. Patty and her husband / producer, Emory Gordy, Jr., penned the DRIVE4COPD campaign song in honor of Patty’s sister. Titled “Drive,” the song is available as a free download to everyone who takes the brief, five-question screener on DRIVE4COPD.COM to determine their risk for COPD.

“It’s an uplifting song and I hope it encourages people to take action if they might have this disease and get back to living life again,” said Patty. “I took the screener and it only takes a few minutes. If you find out you may be at risk the next step is to talk to your doctor.”

Those who take the screener can also enter for a chance to win a CMA Awards Trip Package: a three-day/two-night trip to the 2010 Country Music Association (CMA) Awards in Nashville, TN*. The winner and a guest will be in the audience for Country Music’s Biggest Night.

COPD is a disease that gradually robs a person of their ability to breathe. People often think their symptoms, like shortness of breath or a cough that won’t go away, are just normal signs of aging and wait to get help. Most do not seek medical care until they’ve lost half their lung function – which is a problem because once you lose lung function, you can’t get it back.

“Dottie was my inspiration and is the reason I got interested in music. She always wanted to be a country singer, and performed with our brother around our hometown in Kentucky,” Patty reflected. “She was full of energy and life until she got sick. Eventually she lost her ability to even get out of bed. It was hard to see her suffer with this disease and I want people to know that if you are diagnosed, there are steps you can take to breathe better.”

Patty will be performing at several places during CMA Fest.

Performance: Riverfront Stage
June 11, 11:45am – 12:15pm

Autograph Signing: Fan Fair Hall
June 11, 1:00pm – 3:30pm

Remarks & Meet-and-Greet: Sports Zone
June 11, 4:00pm – 5:00pm

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com