Julie Sparks

Julie Sparks is a Chicago-based patient care advocate and full-time caregiver for her mother, who has battled with COPD for almost 15 years.

Julie has been with her mother through her initial COPD diagnosis in 2005, two lung cancer occurrences, eight COPD exacerbation hospitalizations, and her current journey: navigating in-home hospice care for her Mother.

When Julie is not working odd jobs from home to allow her to be the sole caregiver for her mother, she can be found adding video updates and tips and tricks for fellow caregivers and COPD warriors on her Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook groups under @COPDCaregiving.

Julie emphasizes a caregiving approach centered around the overall wellness of the patient. She recognizes that caregiving is not a one-size-fits-all process. What was effective for your loved one last week may require adjustments at any moment. It's crucial to regularly reflect on the big picture to assess how your loved one is doing.

She has learned some valuable lessons in time management and self-care for the caregiver. She is thrilled to join the COPD.net team, aiming to connect with individuals who support loved ones with COPD and those who lack a support system. Many in this community often experience feelings of isolation and overwhelm. They require compassion, and Julie is happy to share practical tools to navigate each day successfully.

Click here to read all of Julie's articles on COPD.net