Sharing Hearts & Spreading Kindness: The Story Behind Smorgasbord Chickens

Honoring a Beautiful Life

Paula J. Lanning Sanford was a beautiful person inside and out. She was a wonderful wife, mom, sister, Nana, neighbor, and friend. If you knew Paula, you knew you were loved, because she gave her heart so freely to everyone around her—both to those she knew well and to strangers she met along the way.

Though her life was cut short, the lasting impact of her love remains. After she passed away, a hole remained in our hearts. It is a space filled not with stagnant sadness, but with a deep longing for all she still had left to do before she was taken from us by Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (PPF).

To honor her beautiful legacy, raise awareness for this disease, and help find a cure, the debut children’s book Smorgasbord Chickens is dedicated to Paula. The goal of this book is to help fund vital resources for other families impacted by this illness so that no one has to walk this road alone.

The Message in the Coop: "Me Third"

In the book, a friendly rooster named Fred shares his mama’s wisdom with his friends in the coop. In many ways, Fred's mama is just like Paula—an elite, founding member of the "Kindness Club."

As Fred encourages his feathered friends to "share your heart," he introduces them to a powerful new coop motto: "Me third."

Through gentle rhymes and heartwarming moments, Smorgasbord Chickens follows the flock as they trade competition for compassion. It is a beautiful story that teaches children and adults alike that the very best treats in life are the ones we choose to share with friends.

Understanding Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a devastating condition that causes lung tissue to become thickened, stiff, and scarred over time. As the scarring worsens, the lungs lose their ability to effectively transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. This makes everyday, simple activities—like walking across a room or just breathing—incredibly difficult.

Because it is a progressive disease, it worsens over time. Every single person diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis faces a completely unique journey, and there is no "standard" timeline or expected clinical course.

The Reality of PF:

• No Known Cure: The disease is currently irreversible and often fatal within three to five years of diagnosis.

• Widespread Impact: More than 250,000 Americans are living with PF today.

• Rising Numbers: Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year.

How You Can Join the Fight

There is real hope on the horizon, and it is fueled directly by the work of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF).

By purchasing Smorgasbord Chickens and donating to this cause, you are leading the way toward a world without pulmonary fibrosis. Every dollar raised supports the PFF’s mission to advance critical medical research, empower patients and caregivers, and transform daily care so that everyone living with this disease can experience a better quality of life.

Take Action Today

Please click the "Donate" button to make your gift today. Your generous support transforms grief into action and helps us build a kinder, healthier world.

Thank you in advance for your incredible generosity!

To learn more about how your support directly impacts patients and families, please visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.