As the director of pediatric pulmonary medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, I see the effects of lung disease across the diverse communities we serve every day. Lung diseases such as asthma, COPD and cancer have a negative impact on patients and their families, and are responsible for many days missed from work and school. The American Lung Association in Minnesota funds research and advocacy with the goal of improving lung health. For more than 50 years, the ALAM has developed and run programs that provide education and support to help reduce the burden of lung disease throughout the state. These programs are touching thousands of lives and need your support. One way to support these important programs is to buy and use Christmas Seals on your holiday cards and packages. It's an old-fashioned fundraiser that still makes a huge difference here in Minnesota.GAIL BROTTMAN, MINNEAPOLIS