Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Announces Co-Founder Loses Fight Against Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Foundation Gives Its Condolences and Heartfelt Gratitude to the Family of Dr. I.M. Rosenzweig and Will Name Research Award in His Honor

CHICAGO, June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is deeply saddened to announce the recent death of one of its co-founders, I.M. Rosenzweig, PhD.  Mike, as he was known to all, lost his courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) on June 23, 2012.

Mike, who was a clinical psychologist, started the Foundation with his brother, Albert Rose, in September 2001. The two brothers had previously lost a sister to the same deadly disease.  Both Mike and Albert were dedicated and passionate advocates for the pulmonary fibrosis community.  Albert unfortunately succumbed to IPF in 2002.

Mike was the Foundation's first President and CEO.  He was an avid and tireless worker, often putting in 10-12 hours a day despite his ailment.  Initially, he was stationed in a small office in a warehouse owned by his brother.  He created a solid Foundation and chartered its steady growth.

Mike's efforts left the Foundation in an excellent condition with many accomplishments that included:

• Creating a "world class" Medical Advisory Board
• Funding over $2,000,000 in basic research
• Starting the Foundation's Breathe Bulletin
• Advocating for patients as a founding member of the American Thoracic Society's Public Advisory Roundtable
• Building an enduring infrastructure

Mike is survived by his lovely wife Tricia, his two children Bruce and Karen, and two grandchildren. Mike was passionate about funding research and, as a special tribute, the Foundation will rename its annual "Young Investigator" research grant in his memory.  Additionally, the family and the Foundation will be holding a memorial service in the fall.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is to help find a cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), advocate for the pulmonary fibrosis community, promote disease awareness, and provide a compassionate environment for patients and their families. The PFF collaborates with physicians, organizations, patients, and caregivers worldwide. December 1-3, 2011 the PFF hosted its first biennial international scientific conference, IPF Summit 2011: From Bench to Bedside, in Chicago; PFF Summit 2013 will be held December 5-7, 2013. For more information visit www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 888.733.6741.

About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
According to the National Institutes of Health, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which over a period of time the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff, and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and thicker, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs don't receive the oxygen they need. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in most cases, there is not a known cause. When there is no known etiology for the fibrosis (and certain pathologic criteria are met) the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. IPF affects approximately 200,000 individuals in the US, and the annual mortality is estimated to be 40,000.  At present there are no FDA-approved medical therapies.

Contact:
Cara Schillinger
Associate Vice President, Communications and Marketing
312.265.2184
[email protected]

SOURCE The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation