Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Marking World COPD Day, Royal Philips (NYSE:PHG, AEX: PHIA) today unveiled the Philips Breathless Choir. The event brought together a group of 18 people in New York, U.S., for whom breathing is a constant challenge, and documented their journey through a series of films, as they conquered their fears and defied everyone’s expectations by undertaking the impossible: learning to sing.
Celebrity choirmaster, Gareth Malone, led the group, each of whom is living with a chronic respiratory condition, and many have COPD. Gareth is renowned for turning unlikely people into singers, and following five days of intensive training with him the Breathless Choir was formed. The choir’s transformation culminated in a private performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, which Philips had rented to surprise the choir.
The choir sang the classic song ‘Every Breath You Take’ in front of their emotional family and friends.
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Choir member, Evelin Alvarez-Flores, living with COPD said: “In school I loved to sing and I was actually president of my high school choir! Growing up music was always such a big part of my life, but when I was diagnosed with COPD I lost all belief in myself and in my musical abilities. I really thought I’d never sing again.”
Ms Alvarez-Flores continued: “Being part of the Breathless Choir has been phenomenal and it has completely changed my perspective. It has given me back my confidence and not just with singing - it has taught me that I can expect more from myself, and I now know that I am capable of much more. It has been an incredible experience and one I will always treasure.”
Gareth Malone, celebrity choirmaster, said: “All through history, people have sung and made music. Because it makes you feel better about yourself. It makes you feel better about your fellow man. It comforts, it consoles, it amuses, and it’s so simple; it’s just you and your voice, and your breath. I am no doctor but I see the impact music has made on these people’s lives. And I see how much good singing has done in their souls and I think a little bit in their bodies as well.”
Philips believes there is always a way to make life better, and it was this kind of thinking that led Philips to develop the SimplyGo Mini, a portable oxygen concentrator (POC), which empowers patients who struggle with respiratory conditions to continue living full, active lives. SimplyGo Mini with its lightweight design provides nearly 20 percent more oxygen output than any POC weighing five pounds or less. It offers an attractive and sleek design, as well as a strong, comfortable carrying case, appealing to today’s engaged and active patients.
