Steve Cothalis, a respiratory therapist who used to work at Copley Hospital in Morrisville, has received the 2018 Volunteer Excellence Award from the American Lung Association.
Cothalis, who lives in Fairfax, received the award at the organization’s annual awards dinner in Chicago.
“His work as founder and facilitator of a Better Breathers Club Support Group has helped countless Vermont families breathe easier,” said Jeff Seyler, chief division officer of the American Lung Association. “Steve is an incredible volunteer and we are lucky to work alongside him.”
Cothalis got involved with the American Lung Association in 1980, when he lived in New York City, and ramped up his efforts after moving to Vermont in 1997. He has volunteered for or participated in nearly every Lung Association fundraiser in Vermont, from Blow the Whistle on Asthma walks to the Bennington Battle Monument Stair Climb and Lung Force walks.
As a respiratory therapist, he has volunteered nearly every year for the Lung Association’s five-day residential asthma camp.
“In regards to my pulmonary rehab patients, I get them to stop thinking about and focusing on the past,” Cothalis said. “All we can do is learn from it. Whatever it is we can do to improve our physical and mental condition for today and tomorrow is what matters.”
Cothalis founded and facilitated the Better Breathers Club Support Group at Copley Hospital and has mentored health-care professionals to start new Better Breathers Club groups. He regularly recruits his patients to be part of Lung Association events.
He has served on the Lung Association’s leadership board and planning committees and participated in many training sessions.
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