For people with COPD, daily life can be a huge challenge. Things that used to be taken for granted like climbing stairs, washing your hair, or hobbies like singing can become tough or even impossible1. In the Netherlands, an estimated 800,000 people live with COPD2. Yet many people do not know what this disease entails or how far-reaching the consequences can be. COPD is not only a physical condition, but is often accompanied by misunderstanding and loneliness3. With the campaign 'The Sound of COPD' we want to make COPD better known and create more understanding for the people who live with it.
The campaign
Singer Roxeanne Hazes wrote the song 'Nooit Voorbij' especially for this campaign, inspired by living with COPD and its impact on daily activities. The song was also sung by people who suffer from COPD, such as Francien, Ludie and Hanny. With the help of AI, trained by these recordings, we make Roxeanne Hazes sound like she has COPD. In this way, we make the impact of COPD audible and tangible.
Listen to all versions of Never Past on ditiscopd.nl and feel the impact of COPD. On the platform ditiscopd.nl you will also find more information about COPD, interviews with Roxeanne Hazes, the COPD patients and Dr. Sami Simons.
The campaign is live on Instagram and Facebook from 22 September.
Sources:
1Lung Foundation 2024
2Dutch Healthcare Authority 2024
3Lung Foundation 2025
PM-2025-13355
