A pair of UnityPoint Health – Trinity patients were recognized recently for their journey battling pulmonary disease and their progress and perseverance.
Steve Delf and Lucille Mumma were named as the health system’s rehabilitation Patients of the Year during a special ceremony Thursday, July 9, on the Rock Island campus. The annual event honors individuals with chronic lung conditions who have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving their health through the pulmonary rehab program.
Mr. Delf was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and referred to the program at Trinity Heart Center in 2025. His struggle for years with breathing made simple tasks like climbing stairs or taking out the trash difficult.
“I went into the program hoping to avoid needing an oxygen tank – and I reached that goal,” Mr. Delf said in a Trinity news release. “I’m moving better, breathing easier, and the team even helped me quit smoking. It’s made such a meaningful difference in my overall health. I feel like I’ve truly gotten my life back.”
Ms. Mumma was referred to Trinity’s pulmonary rehab after being diagnosed with COPD. She found exercise and education incredibly valuable – learning ways to stay active at home and better manage her breathing.
“Since graduating, I’ve stayed active, lost weight, and I’m getting around so much better,” she said. “This year, I was able to take a trip to Eagle Point Park with my children that required a lot of walking around outdoors. My kids thought I’d need help, but I didn’t. It was an amazing accomplishment.”
According to information from UnityPoint Health – Trinity, pulmonary rehab is for individuals living with chronic lung conditions such as COPD, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease or lung cancer.
Return of independence
The program helps participants increase their energy levels, better manage symptoms and gain the knowledge and skills needed to regain control of their health. Program components include:
- Supervised exercise monitored by rehabilitation specialists.
- Nutrition education, including healthy eating strategies and weight management.
- Education on medications and their side effects, proper inhaler use, breathing techniques, help to quit smoking and safe and proper use of oxygen.
“For individuals living with chronic lung disease, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming,” Dr. Naveen Kanathur, UnityPoint Clinic Multi-Specialty – Rock Island said in the release. “Pulmonary rehabilitation gives people the power to regain their independence – helping them return to everyday activities with greater ease, improved control of their symptoms and renewed confidence.”
He added: “Many people believe that having a lung condition or being on oxygen means giving up the activities they love, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Merritt Adams, BSN, Cardiac/Pulmonary rehabilitation manager, said patients leave the program “feeling stronger, more in control and equipped with the tools to manage their health with confidence. It’s about restoring both strength and independence. We’re honored to be part of that transformation.”
A referral is required to participate in pulmonary rehab. Individuals can speak with their
pulmonologist or primary care provider if they think pulmonary rehab might be right for them or call UnityPoint Health at (309) 779-5340.
