Join us as we walk together toward a cure!
Saturday October 3rd
Walk Kick-Off: 9:00 am
The Bruce Freeman Trail
Broadacres Farm Parking Lot
62 Morse Rd,
Sudbury, MA 01776
Our Story & Gary’s Journey
Our family is walking in support of Gary, who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in 2014. Before his diagnosis, Gary was the picture of health—regularly walking or running 4 to 5 miles a day and taking on endurance challenges. When sudden shortness of breath during a race led to his diagnosis, it was shattering and unsettling for all of us, especially since we had never even heard of pulmonary fibrosis before.
But Gary chose to fight back. Over the last twelve years, he has channeled his energy into becoming a fierce advocate—participating in drug trials, enduring surgical procedures, and traveling to hospitals to educate doctors about the disease. He stayed stable for a long time, but after contracting double pneumonia in November 2025, his breathing capacity lessened substantially and he required continuous supplemental oxygen. This progressive illness took away his active lifestyle, but it never took his spirit.
VICTORY UPDATE: Gary Got His Gift of Life!
On Sunday, July 19th, Gary received the call we had been praying for and successfully underwent a single lung transplant at Mass General! He is currently in the ICU working hard through his recovery. While the road ahead will be a marathon, Gary took this leap so he could build a future and make lasting memories outside the house with his grandchildren. We could not be more grateful or inspired by his bravery.
Why We Walk and Raise Money
Patients shouldn't have to watch their worlds shrink while waiting for their lives to get worse. We are proud to raise funds and build awareness for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), the only organization dedicated to finding a cure for this debilitating disease.
While Gary has received his new lung, our mission continues. Your contribution fuels vital research toward a future cure so that every family facing PF can have answers, hope, and more precious time together.
? How to Support: Join or Donate
We are lacing up our shoes to show Gary that he has an entire army standing right beside him as he recovers, and we invite you to join us!
1. Join Us in Person (How to Sign Up)
We will walk 1 to 2 miles together to honor Gary’s determination and celebrate his second chance at life.
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When: Saturday, October 3, 2026
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Where: Bruce Freeman Rail Trail (Sudbury, MA)
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Registration Instructions: Click on the "Join Our Team!" button on the right-hand side to sign up and start your fundraising campaign today! When the system asks you to select a location, please choose "National Walk Day - Virtual" from the list. Even though the platform labels it virtual, our group is absolutely walking together in person in Sudbury!
2. Make a Donation
If you can't make it to Sudbury to walk with us, your support can still power progress in the search for a cure. You can make a direct impact right now by making a tax-deductible donation directly to our team.
Thank you for standing with Gary and our family through every step of this journey!
To learn more about the event, visit PFFWalk.org. For more information on how your support makes a difference in the lives of patients and families, please visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org.