Don paladio had been a pharmacist in new york city. he retired to florida and spent the better part of everyday swimming in the gulf. he was healthy and strong. gradually, however, his years of smoking began to compromise his lung’s capacity. soon he could not swim at all. he enjoyed the beach from under his umbrella. eventually, the trips to the beach were not possible. the diagnosis was pulmonary emphysema and copd. oxygen was needed, and his activities were diminished to cooking dinner for his wife and himself. don was embarrassed about the oxygen tank and would no longer go out in public. he died when he was 85.