Running on Air is a fantastic example of a grassroots organization advocating for people who need supplemental oxygen, and was founded by Mary Kitlowski, a patient who can speak to the challenges of living with a lung condition that has challenged almost every aspect of her life. For example, as a result of her own experiences as well as many other lung disease patients, Mary created a table that provides accurate, comparable information about the exact amount of oxygen patients can expect from a range of commercially available portable oxygen concentrators, as well as how much each unit weighs. This is the type of advocacy only available from an organization like Running on Air: patient-led, grassroots advocacy.
Running On Air is dedicated to improving lives through unbiased review and distribution of information about portable oxygen concentrators as well as support for legislation to provide access to needed types of oxygen for all. Mary, president of the organization, provides a service that no other non-profit fulfills at this time!
I have benefited from Running on Air's brochures about portable oxygen concentrators and comparing pulse devices to continuous flow. They have been distributed to LAM Clinics and women dealing with the lung disease LAM. Mary's energy in dealing with advocacy for lung diseases is impressive. She works with the full range of lung diseases.
I have known Mary for several years. She has done an incredible mount of research and has the best information on portable oxygen concentrators. She knows her way around the health care system. She has been very generous with her time in counseling others who need this help. I am a great supporter of Running on Air because I think she does great work for the pulmonary community.
"Running on Air" has transformed my life one step at a time. Through their inspiring mission and supportive community, I've found the courage to lace up my shoes each week, pushing myself to shave off precious seconds from my 5K time year after year. Thanks to "Running on Air", I've learned that the finish line is just the beginning!