I am proud to lead the way toward a world without pulmonary fibrosis (PF) as part of Team PFF. I hope you will join me as I raise funds to benefit the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF).
This cause holds a deeply personal significance in my life, as IPF has affected not only my grandmother but also all three of her sisters. Witnessing their struggles has ignited a passionate drive within me to advocate for greater awareness and research into this debilitating and terminal disease.
Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a condition characterized by the thickening, stiffening, and scarring of lung tissue, leading to a loss of ability to efficiently transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. This results in significant challenges in everyday activities like breathing and walking. PF is a progressive ailment, meaning it typically worsens with time. Each person's journey with PF is unique, with no standard clinical trajectory. Sadly, there is currently no cure for PF, and it often proves fatal within three to five years of diagnosis. Presently, more than 250,000 Americans are grappling with PF, with approximately 50,000 new cases being identified annually.
IPF isn't just a medical term for me though; it's a harsh reality that has shaped the lives of my family members and those who love them. My grandmother, a pillar of strength and grace, was the third to be diagnosed. Seeing her once vibrant spirit gradually constrained by the limitations of this disease has been heart-wrenching.
Each diagnosis brought fresh waves of sorrow and a heightened sense of urgency to find solutions. Witnessing the toll it took on these strong, resilient women fueled my determination to take action.
On September 8, 2022, my grandmother received the life-altering diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, discovering that she had extensive and severe scarring in her lungs. Amidst the uncertainty, she sought out the expertise of a pulmonologist at Vanderbilt, who provided invaluable guidance and support in formulating a plan to extend her life. By March 2023, her condition had progressed to the point where her pulmonologist recommended her to the transplant team. After thorough evaluation, she was added to the transplant list in July, marking a glimmer of hope amidst her struggles. Exactly one year after her initial diagnosis, she underwent a single lung transplant, a momentous occasion that brought a mix of relief and anticipation. Despite undergoing a lung transplant, my grandmother will still confront the challenges posed by Pulmonary Fibrosis.
While my grandmother was fortunate to receive a lung transplant, many individuals diagnosed with PF are not as fortunate. Pulmonary Fibrosis claims the lives of 40,000 Americans annually, a figure comparable to the toll of breast cancer. The U.S. organ donation and transplant system has undergone significant transformations in recent years. Yet, by continually enhancing this system, we have the potential to reduce the mortality rate associated with this devastating disease. For further insights into the U.S. organ donation and transplant system, please visit: http://unos.org.
Why Fundraising Matters: IPF doesn't just affect individuals; it impacts entire families, reshaping relationships and routines. Yet, despite its prevalence and devastating effects, IPF remains relatively unknown to many. This lack of awareness hinders progress in research and treatment options.
By fundraising for the IPF Foundation, I aim to change this narrative. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer to vital research breakthroughs and improved support systems for families affected by IPF. Together, we can shine a light on this often overlooked disease and provide hope for a future free from its grasp.
Your support is crucial in our mission to combat IPF and offer hope to families like mine. Whether it's through a donation, sharing this page with your network, or participating in awareness events, every action makes a difference.
Together, let's honor the resilience of those impacted by IPF and work towards a future where no family has to face this disease alone. Thank you for joining me in this important cause.