Eric and Deborah cover a lot of ground: Deborah as a 70.3-mile half-distance triathlon competitor and Eric as a RoadRally driver and collector of rare British sports cars. The Santa Fe, New Mexico, couple are passionate about their respective hobbies, and they are grateful for the gifts of time and good health that allow them to make the most of the Southwest’s splendor.

Not too long ago, Eric faced a myriad of respiratory symptoms — chronic coughing, reduced lung function and recurring infections — that presented roadblocks to his everyday activities and work. It was hard for him to envision the way of life he and Deborah now enjoy in retirement.

In 2003, one of Eric’s lungs collapsed, setting the two on a course to find a lifesaving treatment for him and the peace of mind they both needed. They found that renewed hope when they traveled to National Jewish Health in Denver, where Eric’s medical team took the time to thoroughly assess his case, make the correct diagnosis and most importantly, develop a treatment plan that worked.

Filled with gratitude and a desire to pay it forward, Deborah and Eric became donors to National Jewish Health. Their generous support includes a blend of current and legacy gifts to help National Jewish Health continue leading the way in specialized care and cutting-edge research, now and in the future. In addition, Eric and Deborah serve on the National Jewish Health National Council of Trustees, and they encourage others in their community to support and connect with National Jewish Health.

“I have great respect for the quality of care at the institution,” Eric explained, reflecting on why their philanthropic decision is meaningful to them.

Deborah, who had a successful career as an estate planner, agrees.

“National Jewish Health made such a difference for us, and now we want to give back,” she said.

Before discovering National Jewish Health, Eric sought answers for his condition for many years, but found little relief. As the principal flutist in a professional symphony, he had mastered the techniques of correct breathing.

“One thing a woodwind player knows is how to breathe,” Eric explained as the reason his lung function seemed strong when tested, leading previous doctors to conclude it was nothing serious.

But, his persistent symptoms suggested otherwise. On the advice of a specialist, he and Deborah moved from New Jersey to New Mexico, hoping the high desert climate would help.

“Imagine, we moved to the Southwest to be heathier and still Eric’s lung collapsed,” recalled Deborah about her husband’s worrisome experience. “I knew we had to figure this out.”

A resourceful and determined Deborah researched for weeks, and then discovered National Jewish Health. The road trip from Santa Fe to Denver was a turning point for them.

“They made me feel like the most important person in the building,” said Eric, describing the compassionate and coordinated care he received from National Jewish Health on his initial visit — and each subsequent visit.

Today, with his condition well managed, Eric and Deborah look forward to the road ahead. And, by generously giving back through their annual gifts and including National Jewish Health in their wills, they hope to make a difference for many others, too.

Discover how you can support National Jewish Health and its patients who seek answers and special care from the experts there. National Jewish Health is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of patients with respiratory, cardiac, immune and related disorders. Contact Gordon P. Smith, MBA, CFRE at 1.800.423.8891, Ext. 6549 and smithgo@njhealth.org to learn more.