About 2 years ago I noticed increasing shortness of breath when mowing the grass. I passed it off as being over weight, out of shape and being “older”, but I think in the back of my mind I knew it may be something more serious. You see my Dad died when he was 51 due to a heart attack secondary to a diagnosis of Interstitial Pulmonary Fibrosis in 1974. My sister died when she was 59 of kidney failure secondary to IPF in 2011 and a cousin 2 years later.

In December of 2017 my sister and I were staying at a retreat facility and just walking from our room to the restaurant caused me to be extremely out of breath. It was then that I knew I had something serious and suspected it was IPF.

I went to my primary care physician who was familiar with my family history so he ordered a chest x-ray, a heart stress test and a CT. After the result of all of those he sent me to a pulmonologist were I had blood work, PFT’s and a VATS procedure; I was diagnosed with IPF on 4/16/18.

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a condition that causes lung tissue to become thickened, stiff, and scarred. The lungs eventually lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream, making everyday activities such as breathing and walking extremely difficult. It is a progressive disease, which means it tends to worsen over time. Every individual diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis has a unique experience with the disease and there is no “standard” or expected clinical course.

With no known cure,  the disease is often fatal within three to five years of diagnosis. In the  United States, PF affects more than 200,000 people. 

Because of the work of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), there is hope for those living with PF. Your donation helps fund crucial research, increase awareness, and sustain vital programs that help people with PF and their families live better lives.

For the last few weeks and through mid August I will be walking in the Hendricks County Summer Fun Run.  Each week this takes place at a different park. This is good exercise for me, but is difficult.  I’m asking for people to help sponsor me as a "virtual walker" to raise awareness and much needed funds for research.

Visit the parks and walking routes at: https://tinyurl.com/y3r9bx9u.

Not every one breathes easy, but we can change that!

I imagine a world without pulmonary fibrosis. Thank you for helping me lead the way!