Country star BILLY RAY CYRUS has been given the all clear for a deadly respitory disease that took the life of his grandfather.
The singer, who sung country favourite 'Achy Breaky Heart' took an online screener test online for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was relieved to have passed the five question exam.
Cyrus has found that he is healthy and can therefore continue with his efforts as a spokesman for the health initiative which looks at stamping out the disease.
The test created by the DRIVEFORCOPD mission helps people to recognise syptoms of the disease and take action to help sufferers get the help they need.
Set up in 2010 it works in association with the the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) which is the leading US charity for respitoraty care in the US.
Cyrus told website CMT.com, "I didn't have a perfect score, but I passed."
He is also pleased that he won't have to suffer like his grandfather did.
He adds, "I saw him struggle to breathe. It makes you feel helpless. The more I learn about the disease, I realise how many people in my part of Appalachia had trouble like this. Breathing is just such an intricate part of living."
As part of his involvement with the charity, Cyrus has opened up auditions, 'Tune Up For COPD' to find a budding singer/songwriter who can write a song about breathing. The lucky winner will be flown to Nashville, Tennessee to meet Cyrus, who will perform the winning song at the upcoming Country Music Association festival on the 11th June.
Cyrus told Yahoo,I know music motivates people to take action, and that's why I'm asking America to help us find the next great song to drive awareness of COPD."
Other celebritys who work with the mission include Country music star Patty Loveless, whose sister died of COPD and Actor John Belushi.
COPD is the fourth cause of death in the US and it is estimated that around 24 Million people live with it, many of whom are undiagnosed.
Anybody that suffers from short of breath, coughing and a struggle to breath are asked to get checked out at their local doctors before symptoms get worse.
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