I discovered the PFF Walk in 2018, two months after losing my mother, my hero, Kathy Paul, to pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Her passing was a devastating shock to our entire family. You see, Mom also had an autoimmune disease, Sjögren’s Syndrome, and its effects were clearly visible to us. But what we couldn’t see was how PF was scarring her lungs and taking her breath away.

To honor Mom’s memory, my family and I joined the PFF Walk in our hometown of Pittsburgh the same year. We rallied 30 people for our first Team Kathy, and it was a powerful healing experience during a time of deep grief. We found a strong connection within the PF community, sharing our story and listening to others share theirs.

This year, we look forward to participating in PFF National Walk Day on September 28 in our North Carolina neighborhood. National Walk Day is a special opportunity to raise funds and build awareness for PF wherever you live. Although my family is walking on our own, we feel an incredible bond with the entire PF community across the country. We know teams in every state will be walking in their hometowns, honoring loved ones and supporting everyone impacted by this disease.

Walking for Mom gives me a profound sense of comfort and accomplishment. We continue the fight against PF, knowing our participation makes a real difference. Walking reminds me of two important truths: the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is making great strides on behalf of patients, and none of us is alone on this journey.

I wish I had known about the PFF when Mom was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2013. She told us about her diagnosis, but we rarely discussed it. I realize now that she didn’t want our family to know how sick she was. Mom was always positive – a cheerleader for everyone else. Now, through the PFF Walk, we channel her positivity and grace, cheering for patients and families nationwide.

If you’d like to join me and hundreds of others on National Walk Day on September 28, register today. Registration is free, and participants who raise $100 or more will receive the 2024 commemorative t-shirt. Let’s support the 250,000 Americans living with pulmonary fibrosis and walk together toward a cure.

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About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

At the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, we are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a form of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Pulmonary fibrosis is a process that causes lung scarring, in which fibrotic tissue blocks the movement of oxygen from inside the tiny air sacs in the lungs into the bloodstream. Low oxygen levels, and the stiff scar tissue itself, can cause people with pulmonary fibrosis to feel short of breath, particularly when walking and exercising. Over 250,000 Americans are living with PF today. Approximately 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and as many as 40,000 Americans die from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) each year.

As the largest organization committed to raising awareness and providing support, our mission is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Until this goal is achieved, the PFF is committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and healthcare providers.