Wilson Medical Center Board Chairman Pender Sharp recently graduated from our facility's Pulmonary Rehabilitation class, having completed all 36 visits with commitment and hard work.

A lifelong farmer, Mr. Sharp has always led an active life. Over the past year, however, he began experiencing increased shortness of breath, eventually leading to a diagnosis of COPD. With encouragement from Wilson Pulmonary Associates' D. Binav Shrestha, Mr. Sharp enrolled in pulmonary rehab.

Throughout the program, Mr. Sharp worked hard to improve his endurance and breathing. One of the highlights of his journey was being able to climb all the steps at his grandson’s graduation at N.C. State without shortness of breath — a goal that once seemed out of reach and now marks a major victory in his recovery.

Mr. Sharp increased his walking distance by an impressive 60%, while also gaining confidence in managing his COPD. He took full advantage of the education provided in the program, and shared with the pulmonary rehab team that, “I’ve learned I can live a normal life.”