It is with huge sadness we announce the passing of Barbara Crossley, a passionate member of the Bronchiectasis Patient Advisory Group (PAG). Barbara joined the Bronchiectasis PAG in 2016 to help raise the profile of bronchiectasis, a condition she’d had since early childhood. She felt that medical progress for the treatment of bronchiectasis had been slow and saw this as an opportunity to make a difference. And what a difference she made.
Barbara’s commitment to improving the lives of patients was inspiring to many of the patients and professionals of ELF, ERS and partners. She was a huge advocate for people living with bronchiectasis and supported many ELF activities, including the first Bronchiectasis Patient Conference in 2021, a now annual event which is attended by hundreds of patients and professionals each year. Barbara also wrote the Bronchiectasis self-care guide with members of PAG and EMBARC.
Recently, and ahead of World Bronchiectasis Day 2024 Barbara published an article S. Sharing her experiences helped Barbara and other patients connect and feel a sense of companionship, despite the daily challenges of bronchiectasis.
Beyond the work, Barbara will be remembered for her warmth and energy. She will be greatly missed. We include here some comments and memories from her colleagues, friends and peers:
“To me, Barbara was the true patient advocate. Very intelligent, highly skilled in writing, speaking, and interviewing, she was my go-to PAG member to perform these tasks as she was sure to do an excellent job, with wonderful humor, and seemingly without any effort. Barbara was also very creative in initiatives for the benefit of the bronchiectasis community. She was kind and generous with her time and ability, always happy to volunteer for every project. It seemed during the last bronchiectasis conference that she was everywhere- volunteering to speak about the patient advisory group activities, to demonstrate airway clearance techniques, and to share her views and experience with patients and experts. Barbara was devoted to the mission of helping people with bronchiectasis, setting an example for many community members. Her loss is our patient and expert bronchiectasis community’s loss, and I personally will miss her very much. Rest in peace, Wonderwoman.”
Prof. Michal Shteinberg
“Barbara will be greatly missed by all who knew her and worked with her. She was a tireless advocate for bronchiectasis patents and for research and has made a huge contribution to the patient work of EMBARC, the European Bronchiectasis Network. She has hosted and presented at multiple webinars including our patient conference, and it is a great credit to her influence in the patient community that when the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine wanted to publish an article on the patient perspective of bronchiectasis, they chose Barbara to write it. I know a lot of patients were inspired by her positive attitude and informed by her knowledge. I will be forever grateful for all of her work on behalf of her fellow patients.”
Prof. James D Chalmers
“Barbara was a fantastic patient advocate for bronchiectasis. She was always keen to support research and public engagement in bronchiectasis. She personally supported my own research projects and educational events which I will forever be grateful to her for.”
Paul McCallion
“Barbara’s contribution was always so inspiring and powerful. I will be thinking of her loved ones at this time.”
Helen Parks, COVID-19 PAG and ELF Council
“I am very sorry to learn this sad news. Barbara did so much to raise the awareness of her condition and those of her fellow patients. She will be sorely missed by us, fellow lung sufferers, her friends and family.”
Jane Calvert-Lee, Chronic Cough PAG
“I had only ever met Barbara online but she was such a lovely, knowledgeable and inspirational lady. My thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone who knew her.”
Lisa McNeil, Aspergillosis PAG
“Please pass on my deepest condolences to her family and friends. She’ll be sorely missed as she was such an active advocate for bronchiectasis and lung health.”
Janette Rawlinson, Lung Cancer PAG
“I had only ever met Barbara online. She was so inspirational lady! My thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone who knew her.”
Natalia Maeva, PH PAG
“Such sad news. Please pass on my condolences to Barbara’s family & friends. May she R.I.P.”
Elaine Bruce, COPD PAG
“Barbara was a lovely lady and she will always be remembered through the videos and help that will always be online. Barbara was a good example of how we can help others live the best life they can by giving them support and knowledge. She wasn’t afraid to show us how she lived her life and worked tirelessly to bring about change and understanding to achieve this for others. I am sorry I never met her in person but felt I knew her as a friend through our zoom meetings.”
Joyce Norwell, Bronchiectasis PAG
“Dear Barbara,
You were an inspiration to many of us, and we have learned so much from your kind but firm advocacy for the well-being of bronchiectasis and other respiratory patients alike. Your journey through life is inspirational, marked by unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience. You touched the lives of so many, offering hope, guidance, and strength when it was needed most. Your legacy will continue to inspire and drive us in our mission to support patients and their families. You will be deeply missed, but your impact will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, dear Barbara.
From your friends in Singapore.”
TARIPH Lung Patient Network
