Who We Are

Breathe Strong America

is a coalition of groups working together to offer education and support through a network of providers, patient and caregivers, via local meetings, training events and resources.

Breathe Strong America Coalition is a coordinated effort to educate, encourage and assist providers, patients and caregivers via local and regional meetings, newsletters and social media. Through these actions we hope to promote a healthier pulmonary community.

We integrate world class best practices, technology, research and compassion in our mentoring, providing optimal health and sustainability for the future of the pulmonary community.

Our Mission

Breathe Strong America: Paving the Way for Lung Health Self-Management Through Partnership With a Community of Patients, Providers and Industry. Mentoring Our Pulmonary Community Through Engagement and Empowerment.

Our Vision

Taking Charge To Breathe Strong Through Daily Connecting, Engaging, and Empowering By Educating Pulmonary Community Patients, Caregivers and Clinicians.

Our Team

Bob SobkowiakCoalition Coordinator

Bob Sobkowiak, RRT, is a former US Air Force Medic, who received his training as a Registered Respiratory Therapist in Ohio and California. For over 40 years Bob has served in Clinical Acute Care, Management, Education, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and Home Care. In the past, he served both as a Transitional Care Respiratory Therapist (2012 -2015), and as Florida Alpha-1 Detection Coordinator (2016-2017). In addition, he has been both a Professional and Community Volunteer for over 35 years. And since 2010 Bob has served as a Florida COPD Coalition Coordinator, a Florida COPD State Captain, and most recently serves as Coordinator for Breathe Strong America, a non-profit community education organization.

Keith RobinsonPhysician Educator

Dr. Keith Robinson, MD MS FCCP, is board certified in Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine. He is the Medical Director of Syneos Health since February 2020, and leader of technology-patient centered research for world class health outcomes. Dr. Robinson is also a member of the Baptist Health Quality Network and serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at Florida International University, Wertheim College of Medicine in Miami, Florida.

Dave HenryCommunity Educator

Dave Henry, RRT, has over 45 years of experience as a registered respiratory therapist and has worked as a respiratory clinical specialist with pulmonary support groups. Dave has provided clinical support as well as education programs to patients and CEU programs to RTs. Previous employments have included staff positions, director of cardiopulmonary service, adjunct professor, along with experience in home care and clinical support with a respiratory manufacturing company.

Karen DeitemeyerPatient Advocate

Karen Deitemeyer was officially diagnosed with COPD in 2001 and made COPD her mission. She is a Florida State Advocacy Captain for the COPD Foundation; a member of the Governing Board of the COPD PPRN; Secretary for the U.S. COPD Coalition Board; and a member of the ALA National COPD Patient Advisory Group. She was the patient “face” for the DRIVE4COPD Campaign. Karen is a member of ALA committees and was a speaker for the 2014, 2015 and 2017 ALA Lung Force Expos.