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Association Josiane Salone
United Against COPD
Founded in 2017, the association “Josiane Salone, united against COPD” aims to sensitize public authorities to the crucial importance of early detection of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), while also striving to raise public awareness about this condition.
A Public Health Issue
Pulmonary diseases represent a major public health concern, accounting for approximately one in six deaths worldwide — a figure comparable to that of the early 20th century.
Among them, COPD stands out as a silent disease, progressing slowly and often without noticeable symptoms. Doubly silent, it remains largely unknown to patients and still too often underdiagnosed by healthcare professionals.
Insidious and steadily advancing, COPD presents alarming trends; it is becoming more prevalent among women, affecting increasingly younger patients, and poses a major challenge — hence the importance of early screening, to help slow its irreversible progression and prevent the gradual isolation it can cause.
We advocate for legislative progress in support of incentive-based measures and the expansion of medical staff competencies, so that this “simple gesture” of COPD screening becomes widespread, accessible to all, and as routine as measuring blood pressure or taking one’s temperature.
Our commitment extends nationally, across Europe, and worldwide. It is essential to move beyond the sole focus on smoking, as evidenced by the exponential rise in COPD cases among non-smokers.
Our Commitment to Public Health
In response to our awareness-raising efforts with public authorities on the critical importance of COPD and the need to promote its screening, this cause has been brought before key political institutions and now benefits from the support of several elected officials and policy-makers.
These actions have also contributed to the development of new health recommendations, underlining the urgency of addressing this disease within the framework of public health policy.
For nearly ten years, through dedication, perseverance, and unwavering constancy, we have moved forward step by step. Each milestone achieved, each shift in awareness, contributes to shaping a fairer health policy — one that is more attuned to the needs of patients.
On the Ground
Because sport, breath, and life are deeply intertwined, our association works alongside its partners to uphold, on the ground, the values of inclusion, transmission, and the culture of movement.
Our actions embody commitment and are aimed at all those affected by respiratory diseases, including COPD.
They reflect a 360-degree vision, ranging from information to individual support, with a strong focus on sport, a true pillar of autonomy, sustainable health, and the fight against social isolation caused by illness.
Partnerships
Together with the FFAAIR and the EFA – European Federation of Allergy and Airways Diseases Patients’ Associations, we are combining our efforts to improve the quality of life of people living with respiratory diseases, whether they face insufficiency or disability, while promoting lung health and raising awareness among public authorities and health institutions about this vital cause.
Understanding COPD
Some of you never may have heard of COPD.
This scourge predominantly affects women and baby boomers, reflecting a distorted image of freedom and emancipation, reminiscent of the Cassandra-like warning about the pleasure they indulged in without fear or regret: smoking.
Indeed, the primary cause of COPD is smoking tobacco.
COPD: Test Yourself
The symptoms of COPD, such as breathlessness, coughing, and expectoration, are now widely recognized.
This COPD test provides everyone with the opportunity for an anonymous and free screening.
It is important to note that this test is not a substitute for a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Beyond Smoking
Although often associated with smoking, COPD also affects non-smokers, accounting for nearly 20% of cases. These alarming figures surpass those of certain more common diseases and causes of death, underscoring the magnitude of this condition.
This observation highlights the importance of considering other risk factors, particularly in major urban areas: urban pollution, environmental hazards, genetic predispositions, and occupational exposure to toxic substances.
It is therefore essential to dispel the misconception that only smokers are affected by this disease.
Under the Lights
Did you know? From the world of entertainment to politics, many public figures have been or are affected by COPD, often publicly referred to as having "pulmonary emphysema," one of the most well-known manifestations of the disease. Yet, the term COPD remains seldom mentioned.
Whether it affects international stars or anonymous individuals, COPD makes no distinction. However, due to the general lack of awareness about the disease and its negative image—often seen as guilt-inducing and far from glamorous—few public figures dare to speak about it openly. The frequent mention of emphysema, coupled with common comorbidities, thus limits efforts for awareness and early diagnosis.
The Illusions of a Promise
With its now-famous slogan — "You've come a long way, baby" — Virginia Slims was just one example among many.
Launched in 1968 by Philip Morris, the brand targeted young women aged 18 to 35. It wasn’t just selling cigarettes — it was selling an image: that of a woman who was free, modern, independent. A woman who was elegant, slim, confident. A woman who was breaking free.
By the 1990s, the brand faced growing criticism for encouraging smoking among teenage girls — and even for promoting anorexia through a toxic ideal of thinness. Gradually, it was pushed to the margins.
But its legacy endures, much like other campaigns, other brands, and other, more current forms of tobacco use.
As Michele Delaunay, former French Minister, lamented: “For decades, smoking has been synonymous with emancipation, particularly for women. It may sound harsh, but I wish for women to be free, independent, and not to squander the longevity they have earned through their resilience and determination at every stage of their lives.”
Times have changed, and so have customs: what was once seen as a symbol of freedom has proven to be a false friend—a cruel trap.
That tobacco, which once promised to scatter the petals of youth in the winds of emancipation, has instead driven millions of men and women into illness and death.
The “1000 Solidarity Breaths” Collective is a platform dedicated to all those affected by respiratory diseases — conditions often rendered invisible — regardless of their type or severity, as well as to their close caregivers, those precious, discreet allies of daily life, too often forgotten despite their exemplary dedication.
It is also intended for those who experience both realities at once: living with illness while providing support to a loved one.
“1000 Solidarity Breaths” Collective
Together, let's bring a breath of relief and infuse hope to those in need!
Join the Collective and help transform the daily lives of respiratory patients and their caregivers.
United in the face of illness, we stand by those affected by all forms of respiratory diseases.
Because every action counts, we thank you for your support.
About Us
A Brief Overview of the Association
A Brief Overview of the Association
Josiane Salone was my mother (photo). She fought as a free and courageous woman against this silent disease, despite its devastating acronym.
This association represents both a humble response to the promise I made to her and the continuation of the path she set for me: one of commitment, integrity, kindness, and compassion.
Contact Us
Association Josiane Salone
united against COPD
Nonprofit Organization under French Law 1901
Officially recognized Public Interest Organization
This informational site is not a medical device.
It does not provide medical advice.
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