Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Celebrates Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month To Increase Disease Awareness And Education

September is designated to encourage patient and physician education events and support for the pulmonary fibrosis community

News provided by

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

Sep 01, 2015, 10:30 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 1, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) announced today the celebration of September as Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, a campaign to increase global awareness of pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a devastating and relentlessly progressive disease that causes scarring in the lungs and is generally fatal within two to three years of diagnosis. The PFF's activities this month focus on supporting disease education for patients, family members and professionals in the PF community and raising funds to support ongoing research.

"We dedicate the month of September to help shine a spotlight on doing something to eradicate pulmonary fibrosis while directing resources critical to those living with the disease," said Patti Tuomey, EdD, president and chief executive officer of the PFF. "We are proud to lead the charge in mobilizing the community to raise awareness and funding, and we encourage everyone to join us in spreading the word."

PFF Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month activities include:

#BlueUp4PF – Join the PFF on September 9 or anytime during the month of September by wearing blue and making a contribution to the PFF. Post your support on social media using #BlueUp4PF. This fundraising challenge honors the memory of PFF Ambassador and founder of #BlueUp4PF Diane Reichert who passed away earlier this year. See highlights from #BlueUp4PF from last year on Facebook.
Where in the World is PF Awareness? – Share a photo wearing a PFF Breathe Bracelet at an iconic landmark or notable area to help reach the goal of showcasing all 50 states and other countries.
Show Up on Social Media – Share your PF story on social media to increase awareness and highlight the PFF's mission. Use the hashtags #PFWarrior, #pulmonaryfibrosis, #GPFAM2015, #GlobalPFAwareness, #MakeEveryBreathCount.
Hear a PFF Ambassador Share Their Story – Now in the second year of the program, new and returning PFF Ambassadors share their experiences with PF to drive disease awareness and to highlight the PFF's support programs. Learn more about the PFF Ambassadors on the PFF website and invite one to attend a local event.
Join Team PFF – Team PFF members host a wide range of events throughout the year, including walks and wine tastings to art shows and raffles. Become part of Team PFF by hosting a local event or attend an event near you.

For more information about Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month or to make a donation, please visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org. To receive educational resources on PF, contact the PFF Patient Communication Center (PCC) at 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) or [email protected].

About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which, over a period of time, lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and grows thicker, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs don't receive enough oxygen. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in many cases, there is no known cause. When the cause of the fibrosis is unknown (and certain pathologic or radiographic criteria are met), the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF. There is no cure for IPF. Presently, there are two FDA-approved treatments for IPF in the U.S.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is to serve as the trusted resource for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community by raising awareness, providing disease education, advancing care and funding research. 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. The PFF's Summit 2015: From Bench to Bedside, its third biennial international healthcare conference, will be held November 12-14, 2015 in Washington, D.C. For more information visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) or +1 312.587.9272 from outside of the U.S.

For Media Inquiries:
Michelle Michael
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
312.239.6628
[email protected]

SOURCE The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation