NOVEMBER 23, 2016

Contact: Laura Sadler,  312.546.6646

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GOING THE EXTRA MILE FOR A CURE

Seattle Marathon participant and pulmonary fibrosis patient, Evans Wilson, is walking to raise funds and build awareness for his chronic, rare disease.

SEATTLE — Evans Wilson will not let his diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) keep him from reaching the finish line. This Sunday, November 27^th, Evans will take on the challenge of the Seattle Marathon, a 26.2 mile quest and an opportunity to fundraise for charitable causes. Evans is participating to raise $50,000 and spread awareness for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF).

Evans was an accomplished runner prior to his diagnosis, but he can no longer enjoy the sport due to his disease. He uses oxygen to walk on the treadmill and will require 8-10 oxygen tanks throughout the course of the marathon. While he knows he cannot complete the race within the 6 ½ hour time limit, he is still committed to reaching the finish line.

Evans knows that his quest won’t be an easy one.

“There are hills, and it will depend on the weather and the kind of day I’m having,” said Evans. “I’m guessing it’ll take anywhere from 13-16 hours with 18 volunteers to help switch out empty oxygen tanks.”

He’s aware of the obstacles he faces, but pushes forward to advance the mission of the PFF for not only himself, but for all who suffer from pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a devastating, rare group of progressive diseases that cause scarring in the lungs, limiting oxygen intake. As a result, the brain, heart, and other organs do not get the required oxygen needed in order to function properly. There is no known cure for PF, and 40,000 succumb to the disease annually.

 

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About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) mobilizes people and resources to provide access to high quality care and leads research for a cure so people with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) will live longer, healthier lives. The PFF collaborates with physicians, organizations, people with PF and caregivers worldwide. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Better Business Bureau accredited charity.

For more information about the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, please visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call the PFF Patient Communication Center at 844.TalkPFF.