Community Involvement

Sharing the Vision
From the American Lung Association

In 2000, the Rosenthals joined forces with the American Lung Association of Florida - Southeast Area, making a pledge of $125,000 to fight asthma at the Asthma Research Center, University of Florida.

Asthma is a disease of near-epidemic proportions in the USA. The actual cause of this disease remains unknown, and it can be fatal if not correctly treated. In Florida, alone, over 571,000 adults and 211,000 children are afflicted. Asthma is responsible for $14 billion in annual direct and indirect health care costs in the USA. An average of more than 200 Floridians and some 5,500 people, nationwide, die of asthma every year.

Gerry Rosenthal knows asthma all too well. He developed adult-onset asthma six years ago and, since then, has used an inhalant twice a day. Lung disease also affected Gerry's life when he lost his father to emphysema.

Ingrid Rosenthal sits on the American Lung Association of Florida - Southeast Area advisory board. Her valued time assists in guiding the many programs and services the Lung Association offers within the six counties it serves. Of its 22 programs and services, eight relate directly to asthma. Assistance begins early in the public schools with "A is for Asthma, "an asthma awareness program for children of ages three-to-six. "Open Airways for Schools," a nationwide program, has helped children in grades three through five learn to manage the disease by themselves.

This year, the American Lung Association of Florida – Southeast Area launched "Soaring Eagle Camp." The only day camp of its kind in the state, this program attracted 70 children from Martin, Okeechobee and Palm Beach Counties.

The Lung Association is deeply indebted to Ingrid and Gerry for their compassion and support. In 2000, they were presented with the Association's Humanitarian Award, and they continue to benefit the children and citizens of the community by supporting fund-raising events throughout the year. Ingrid and Gerry's contributions will be key factors in the Lung Association's efforts to combat the ravages of lung disease for many years to come.

Roberta Flack, Ingrid & Gerry Rosenthal

Lou Rawls & Gerry Rosenthal at a fundraiser for the American Lung Association

Link to:
The American Lung Association of Southeast Florida