Running the 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is deeply personal to me.
Just months after retiring two years ago, my husband and partner, David, was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a disease we had never even heard of before; it suddenly became part of our lives. What we believed would be a carefree new chapter quickly turned into a journey filled with uncertainty, strength, and hope.
This is why I run.
David’s Story
In August of 2024, David retired from a long career in the home furnishings industry, looking forward to a more relaxed and joyful next chapter. Around that same time, he developed a dry, persistent cough and overwhelming fatigue. After a CT scan, he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis a disease he had never heard of and never expected.
Further testing ruled out autoimmune and environmental causes. Pulmonary function tests and an HRCT scan confirmed Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), the most common form of PF and one with no known cause and no cure.
David began treatment with OFEV, an anti-fibrotic medication that helps slow the progression of lung scarring. While the medication comes with challenging side effects, it has given him something invaluable: more time. In early 2025, he also started pulmonary rehabilitation to help manage breathlessness and maintain strength.
Despite living with IPF, David remains positive and engaged in life. We continue to travel, walk our dog Sophie, and enjoy time with family and friends. But everyday tasks, such as climbing stairs or walking across a parking lot can be exhausting. From the outside, you would never know what he is facing. As David says, he doesn’t wear his disease.
David attended the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Summit in November 2025, where he found education, community, and hope. New treatments are being developed, and clinical trials are underway. There is real momentum and real possibility that Pulmonary Fibrosis can one day be a disease of the past.
Why Your Support Matters
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is leading the way in:
- Funding critical research and clinical trials
- Providing education and resources for patients and caregivers
- Offering community, hope, and advocacy for families like ours
Every dollar raised helps accelerate progress toward better treatments — and ultimately, a cure.
But we can't do this without you! Only with your support can we keep the PFF's mission active. Please click the "Donate" button to make your gift today. Thank you in advance for your generous support!
For more information on how your support will make a difference in the lives of PF patients and their families, please visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.