As we usher in 2025, a year full of new opportunities and promise, I want to extend my best wishes to you and your loved ones.

For the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 2025 holds special significance: it marks the 25th anniversary of our founding. This milestone is not just a celebration of how far we’ve come, but a reminder of the journey ahead. Throughout this year, we’ll reflect on progress since 2000—and more importantly, look forward to the future we are all working toward: a cure for pulmonary fibrosis.

In 2000, the PFF was founded by brothers Albert Rose and Mike Rosenzweig, driven by the pain of losing their sister, Claire, to this devastating disease. Their mission was simple and powerful; to build an organization dedicated to identifying effective treatments and offering support for those living with PF. Tragically, both brothers were later diagnosed with the disease they had vowed to fight.

The Rosenzweigs started this Foundation as a family, with a promise to help other families facing the same heartache. Today, the PFF continues to serve the larger family – our community – of people impacted by PF. As someone who lost my mother to PF, I am deeply committed to advocating for a better future for everyone living with this disease.

We are stronger together. Each of us plays a vital role in accelerating our progress toward a cure. The pulmonary fibrosis community is broad and inclusive, made up of patients, caregivers, lung transplant recipients, family members, those who have lost loved ones, healthcare providers, donors, and industry representatives.

Together, we've accomplished so much. For example, since our inception in 2000, we have awarded $7 million in grants to more than 50 researchers. These scholars have continued their research in the field of pulmonary fibrosis and subsequently been awarded more than $277 million in additional research funding from other institutions, such as the National Institutes of Health. The PFF Care Center Network launched with just seven centers in 2014 and has grown to more than 80 expert centers across the country. The CCN has multiple working groups that have addressed issues such as best practice considerations for lung biopsy, pulmonary hypertension related to ILD, and delivery of care to patients in rural and underserved areas. The PFF Patient Registry, which began enrollment in 2016, has contributed to more than 50 research studies. The scientific community continues to use this valuable information as well as the PFF Community Registry to conduct important studies that will enhance diagnosis and treatment in the future. From fundraising walks and support groups to research participation and advocacy, our collective efforts have already made a tremendous impact. But there is still so much more to do.

This year, with your help, we are committed to amplifying the voices of our community. With over 250,000 Americans living with pulmonary fibrosis, there are still far too many families who don’t yet know the resources and support available to them. We must reach them—and ensure they know the PFF community is here for them.

Here’s a glimpse at just some of the exciting events and programs we have lined up for 2025:

●       PFF Community Registry, enrollment is ongoing

●       Broadway Belts for PFF!, March 10 (register to watch the free live stream)

●       PFF Hill Day, March 5

●       PFF Walk series, April-October

●       PF Awareness Month, September 1-30

●       Share Your Story on the PFF’s social media platform, throughout the year

●       PFF Summit in Chicago, November 13-15

Our goal for 2025 is to create a year of transformative impact—driven not only by our innovative programs but also by expanding our reach and fostering deeper collaboration. With the launch of our new five-year strategic plan later this year, we will have a clear roadmap to guide us toward these objectives. Together, we will unite our efforts, amplify our voices, and create meaningful change for every individual affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

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.