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Billy Ray Cyrus Takes on COPD for the CMA Awards

Ice/X17online.com

Billy Ray Cyrus will be on the black (not red this year) carpet at the upcoming CMA Awards November 10. The singer has been named the celebrity campaign ambassador for DRIVE4COPD. In partnership with the Country Music Association, Billy Ray will host the DRIVE4COPD Pavilion, to raise awareness of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which affects more than 24 million people.

"I'm proud to be partnering with the Country Music Association and DRIVE4COPD," says Billy Ray. "It's astounding to think that COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and yet many people don't even know what it stands for. If I can help inspire Americans to find out more about COPD and get screened then I've done my job."

Billy Ray, who is currently in the middle of a painful divorce from wife Tish, says his own family has been affected by COPD. In his role as ambassador, he will greet celebrities and artists as they walk the black carpet, asking for their support, and getting autographs for the 'DRIVE4COPD' pinwheel icon.

The former 'Dancing With the Stars' contestant will have a lot on his schedule in the next few months. In addition to partnering with 'DRIVE4COPD,' he is also working on rock music with his band, 'Brother Clyde,' as well as compiling an album of patriotic songs. The multifaceted singer says his eclectic taste in music is thanks to his rural upbringing. "I grew up in Kentucky loving a lot of different styles of music," he tells The Boot. "Johnny Cash once told me, 'You have to make the music that comes from within. Don't worry about labels and stereotypes and branding.'"

Billy Ray takes his place on the black carpet before the CMA Awards this Wednesday (November 10). The awards show will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on ABC.

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diana.travis

I don't know if Billy Ray Cyrus reads these comments or not. I sure hope he does. I want him to know I truly appreciate what he is doing for copd. I have a sever case of it. I have never smoked nor has my husband. I wish there was a cure. I am sick alot. I know I am going to die from this. Lord help me because I am scared to death I am lucky because alot of people have situations alot more critical than mine. Jesus will see me thru to the end. Thank you Mr. Cyrus.

January 23 2012 at 7:32 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lily Vandenbosch

Dear Billy Ray Cyrus
My husband has COPD and as you know it is eventually a death sentence and the quality of life is in the hands of the individual, and for those people that want to manage and strive for the best possible help in achieving this, I found in a book on Barnes & noble called “Earl Huses’ Life with COPD – Tells you what the Doctor’s Don’t, the author is Earl L. Huse JD. It is the most helpful and easy book to read with illustrations and exercises to help you breath better.

My husband has been following a lot of the information in this book and it has made a tremendous difference in his day-to-day activity. This is a book that benefits all those suffering with this debilitating disease.

As an advocate for COPD I would urge you to check out this book.

Thinking of all with COPD and their care givers,

Lily

July 15 2011 at 5:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
destesdebb

My husband has COPD, we use a product from Wei Labs and it is wonderful. I hope you will check this product out in your search for helping other people with COPD. Doctors do not recognize anything that is natural, but their products really help.

July 14 2011 at 12:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply