In honor of Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, I’d like to tell you, in my own voice, what it’s been like living with a terminal lung disease as a young woman. Naturally, I felt very alone, unsettled, and isolated from my peers when I was diagnosed. Sharing about my experiences, however, has not only helped others, it’s also helped me live with IPF. Here is my story—listen along or read!
Social media has become a platform for change throughout the last decade! We’ve seen it used in many beneficial ways, and even some medical advancements have been made as a result of fundraising efforts through social media. Do you remember the “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?” The donations that came in from that online movement helped fund a breakthrough in ALS research! Social media has the power to do some incredible things and it’s free, so please utilize it and help us spread the word about PF Awareness month this September.
Here are some other ways you can help:
- Change your profile picture to the blue and red PF Awareness ribbon on various social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. When someone asks what it’s for, inform them. Tell them about PF, and share that September is PF Awareness month.
- Share this voiceover and other stories of people living with IPF on your social media channels—personal stories move us to do incredible things.
- Talk about PF! The more people who know about this disease, the more likely someone who may be experiencing the symptoms of IPF could recognize it and seek out medical treatments. Early diagnosis and interventions are important to a patient’s overall quality of life with IPF.
- Donate to the research taking place about this disease and help fund clinical trials—go to ipffoundation.org and click the Donate button in the upper navigation panel.
Thank you.
This is the final clip from our 4-part series. Share this audio series with your family and friends to spread the word about the devastating effects of IPF. Also, if you can, please consider donating to the IPF Foundation as 100% of all donations go directly to supporting research and clinical trials.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out by leaving a comment below. I look forward to hearing from everyone while I continue to share my story with you all.