VIDEOS FOR COPDAKTIV 2023

Eberhard Jordan: When I think back now—what was my life like before COPD?—I have to say: very hectic. I had an agency back then with about ten employees. I was actually kind of proud of it. From today’s perspective, I’d say: You don’t really need to be proud of having run yourself into the ground. And above all, I smoked a lot. It was stress smoking, just like so many others do. Then, suddenly, it all came to an abrupt end—and at the same time, my body told me: “Not like this anymore.”

What happened after the intensive care unit? Those were actually very sobering moments, because I couldn’t even walk around the block without my kids or friends accompanying me. I was simply afraid. And my children were told that their dad might end up needing full-time care. I absolutely didn’t want that. I remembered that I had done some training before, and I thought: Okay, let’s try this, maybe there’s still more possible—maybe you can manage to at least walk around the block again on your own. It developed to the point where I started walking to the bus stop. Then I managed to get directly to the gym. Sure, with breaks—but for me, that was: “Wow – there’s still something possible.” One pillar I personally find especially important—and which is now also medically proven—is that physical activity, exercise, is a vital part of recovery and stabilization in COPD. During training, I noticed how much it helped me when I started building muscle, because it simply made everyday life easier for me. The development of the myCOPD-Challenge actually goes back to Jupp Brandl, who gave me the idea. He’s from Cologne, and he climbed the Cologne Cathedral with an oxygen tank. Back then, I thought: Okay, that’s an idea—that’s something you could market well. And in my boldness, I said: “Okay, then I’ll climb St. Stephen’s Cathedral.” Well, in 2018 it finally happened. I climbed Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral together with Martin Gütlbauer, my therapist, and the attending physician. Slowly, yes—but we made it to the top. And yes, once I was up there, I was very happy. In my excitement I said: “Next year it will be the Danube Tower.”

I must say, I was very surprised by how many media outlets showed up. I thought a few would come, but the media rush and the level of interest—really thrilled me.

Dr. Petrovic: I got to know Mr. Jordan as a determined, well-informed COPD patient in a serious condition, who doesn’t just do what he does for himself, but can also serve as a role model and source of support for other patients.

Eberhard Jordan: We trained more, trained longer, and we made it. And that’s really something to say: the setting, the atmosphere—it all just made everything even more intense. Actually, I wanted to climb the Millennium Tower next. But then the pandemic hit. In 2020, I actually found another pursuit. I boldly contacted Humboldt Verlag to see if they were interested in a book about “Active Living with COPD.” And that turned out to be a direct hit.

Gunnar Grässl (reading from the book): “As with so many relationships, there is no universal rule for living together, no ‘This is the right way.’ But this guide can help—with experiences, thoughts, ideas, and possible scenarios.”

Eberhard Jordan: In 2021, it was finally time for the Millennium Tower, with its 48 floors.

Dr. Petrovic: I have to say, this year’s challenge was a major one—especially considering the pandemic and all the restrictions.

Mag. Tommasi: If you can already manage small steps, if you’re active—in addition to appropriate medication—then that leads to success. Countless studies show this. Rehabilitation proves it. And Mr. Jordan is a very positive example of that.

Eberhard Jordan: One thing was clear: I’d been eyeing the DC Tower for a while, since it’s the tallest office building in Austria. It’s a truly striking piece of architecture in Vienna.

Andreas Budz: I’m really deeply impressed by Mr. Jordan today. We’ve supported the myCOPD-Challenge from the beginning. We were involved right from the start, and I must say: I see a continuous improvement in Mr. Jordan’s performance—and today he truly outdid himself. That really left a strong impression on me.

Martin Gütlbauer: It went really well today—much better than during the test runs. The rhythm wasn’t quite right in those. But today, everything we planned worked out. I really can’t imagine how it could have gone better.

Prim. Dr. Valipour: Today, Eberhard Jordan showed that even with advanced COPD—a chronic lung disease—you can still achieve a lot. Through discipline, consistent training, regular medical care, and the medications available today, he climbed around 1,600 steps up the DC Tower—60 floors—with the support of a team. And that is truly an incredible achievement for someone with advanced COPD. He deserves real congratulations for it. And I believe he has also set an important example to raise awareness of COPD.

Eberhard Jordan: Yes, we’re talking about 2023. And a lot has changed. Not just in my personal life, but also professionally. That includes the Challenge. There were completely different plans, but unfortunately, both fell through. That led to the decision to completely restructure the project – with delays and everything that comes with it. What also happened was a shoulder injury, which immediately cost me the bike tour, and later on, based on medical advice, had further consequences. We’re participating in World COPD Day, which is taking place internationally for the first time. But I will not be actively involved.

Prim. Dr. Valipour: Yes, I’m pleased again this year to highlight the COPD Challenge. It has become a very important event because it emphasizes the significance of the widespread disease COPD – one of the most important illnesses in the Western world, affecting around half a million Austrians. So far, Eberhard Jordan has shown, through his pioneering role, that with regular training, proper therapy, and, if necessary, specialized treatment, you can climb various towers even with COPD – starting with St. Stephen’s Cathedral and most recently the DC Tower. This year, due to unfortunate circumstances, it won’t take place. Nonetheless, we must not forget how important it is to raise awareness about the disease and the value of training, medication, and general, regular care. With that in mind, I wish Mr. Eberhard Jordan and all other COPD patients all the best. I’m already looking forward to the new challenges next year, when we’ll take on the COPD Challenge again, and with many good ideas, another Challenge will happen next year. Until then – all the best.

Dr. Petrovic: As with any professional athlete, injuries are part of the game. And unfortunately, that’s what happened to Eberhard. A shoulder injury has unfortunately set him back and limited his performance to such an extent that this year’s COPD Challenge is not possible – also from a medical point of view. I’m sorry about that, but knowing Eberhard, he will come back stronger, better, and more resilient.

Eberhard Jordan: So how do I see 2023? As a year of pause. A year to reflect and prepare for something completely new. And I’ve decided to take a very chronological approach and say: one topic that affects all COPD patients is walking. And I want to explore that from various perspectives. That will happen in the spring. Then comes the realization: okay, if you can walk, you can also ride a bike. That was a big hurdle for me when I bought my first bicycle. But I still use it. What’s very clear is that I want to circle the Danube Island with friends, sponsors, and a team – with information stations about COPD: What does oxygen therapy mean? What does it mean to be properly medicated? Simply because I believe this can be a very nice, full-day event. We’ll start at sunrise and finish at sunset. Since I hope and wish all the organizers the best, I assume that World COPD Day will take place again next year. And then I will take an active role again. Yes, that’s the plan for next year.