Sara Baker’s Long Battle with COPD
By Howard Lloyd, Regional Content Editor, and Neil Shaw, Assistant Editor (Money and Lifestyle)
Published: 10:17, 09 Dec 2025
Sara Baker, a mother of five, has faced respiratory challenges since she was an infant. Diagnosed with asthma at four months old, her condition progressed to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 2020. Now 63, Sara resides in Newton Abbot, Devon, with her dog and two cats, while her children live across the UK.
Living with COPD
COPD, characterized by breathlessness, wheezing, and persistent coughing, has severely impacted Sara’s lung capacity, reducing it to just 25%. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to maintain her lifestyle, adapting tasks such as walking and gardening to her condition.
Sara faces misunderstandings from the public, who often mistake her breathing difficulties for drunkenness. “It makes me angry,” she says, as she struggles with everyday tasks like walking her dog, Buddy, who intuitively knows when to slow down.
Coping Mechanisms
Simple activities take longer for Sara, who must frequently pause to catch her breath. She describes her COPD as constantly having to focus on breathing, which is no longer a natural action for her.
Despite the challenges, Sara refuses to let the disease control her life. She manages her symptoms with steroid inhalers and is prepared for the possibility of needing supplemental oxygen in the future.
Facing Public Misunderstanding
Sara often encounters stigma and misconceptions due to her symptoms, which can include slurred speech and tremors. This public misunderstanding is a common experience for many living with chronic conditions.
An incident in a park where she was mistaken for being intoxicated illustrates the daily challenges Sara faces. These experiences have motivated her to raise awareness about COPD and challenge public perceptions.
Advocacy and Awareness
Sara’s story is part of a broader campaign by Chiesi Medical to highlight the stigma faced by those with chronic conditions. A survey by Chiesi UK and Ireland found that 70% of people with chronic or rare conditions experience judgment due to their health.
Sara, involved in the “Look Beyond the Bias” campaign, insists on living her life without letting public misconceptions deter her. “Why should I let them stop me from living my life?” she asserts.
