Welcome to the PF Warrior inaugural newsletter! We are thrilled to introduce a newsletter dedicated to amplifying the voices of those affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
We are proud to report that PF Warriors has grown into a non-profit international network, offering hope, inspiration, education, and resources to over 21,000 members affected by pulmonary fibrosis worldwide. To our founder, Bill Vick, thank you for providing such a great foundation for us to continue to grow and serve.
– Dolly Kervitsky and the PF Warrior team
Please join our private Facebook group in English or Spanish! It is a place for patients, caregivers, and family members to learn, ask questions, and share support 24/7 in a private setting.
September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month
As we step into September, we aim to shine a light on the challenges and realities of living with pulmonary fibrosis and raise awareness about PF. We invite you to “Like” and “Follow” our PF Warriors public Facebook Page, which features news and updates about living your best life with pulmonary fibrosis. Whether you’re directly affected by PF or want to learn more and help spread awareness, your involvement matters.
Ways to start helping now:
- Write or Call your member of the U.S. House of Representatives and your U.S. Senator(s) and ask them to cosponsor the Supplemental Oxygen Access Reform (SOAR) Act. Senate Bill S. 3821, House of Representatives Bill H.R. 7928.
- Be An Advocate! Share PF Warrior information via social media and email with your family, friends, and medical team!
- Join our Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month (PFAM) Campaign! Email us to receive our digital Selfie Sign! Personalize it, snap a photo, and email it back to us for a chance to be featured on our social media platforms during September!
- Share your Story! Email us your story and you may be selected to be featured on PF Warriors!
PF Warriors’ Teresa Barnes Selected to the 2024-25 American Thoracic Society’s Public Advisory Roundtable
PF Warriors is honored that our Chief Executive Warrior, Teresa Barnes, is one of four new members selected to sit on the ATS Public Advisory Roundtable (PAR). PF Warriors (and PF patients) will be represented and other new members this year represent the Alpha-1 Foundation, COPD Foundation, and Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia Association.
It is my honor to be invited by the American Thoracic Society and the ATS Public Advisory Roundtable to serve alongside an incredible group of colleagues on ATS PAR.
ATS will continue to put patients at the center and is one of the only medical societies in the world that includes the patient voice on its Board of Directors and in other key roles across the organization. – Teresa Banes, Chief Executive Warrior, PF Warriors
Dolly Kervitsky, RCP, CCRC, CNP President of PF Warriors at the Public Advisory Roundtable (PAR) Meeting.
Donna Appell (L), current Chairperson of PAR with Teresa Barnes (R), Chief Executive Warrior of PF Warriors at ATS before the first meeting of the new PAR committee.
Stay Prepared: Air Quality and Breathing
When your lungs are compromised, as with many pulmonary fibrosis patients, you need to be prepared for situations such as poor air quality from wildfires. We’re sharing a PF Warrior educational meeting with Dr. Coralynn Sack from University of Washington (UW) Medicine. In this meeting replay, Dr. Sack shares how to clean your indoor air quality. Click the link below to learn essential tips and strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Honoring the Legacy of PF Warriors’ Volunteer Champions
It is with heavy hearts that we remember and honor the incredible contributions of our caring PF Warriors’ volunteer champions: Scott Calhoun, Mary Beth Boehm, Mike Daly, and Dick Morgan. In the PF Warriors family, our sense of community is built on the dedication, compassion, and selflessness of our volunteers and members. As we honor our volunteer champions, I am reminded of the profound impact each of them had on PF Warriors and on all of us personally. Their dedication and selflessness exemplify the spirit of PF Warriors, and their contributions have made an indelible mark on our community.
Scott’s tireless outreach, Mary Beth’s creative brilliance, Mike’s welcoming nature, and Dick’s steadfast support each played a critical role in shaping who we are today. Their legacy is a testament to the power of compassion and commitment.
While we mourn their loss, let us also celebrate their lives and the enduring influence they had on our mission. We are better because of them, and we will continue to carry their spirit forward in all that we do.
To the families and loved ones of our volunteers, it is with heartfelt gratitude that we thank each of you for your support and for being part of the PF Warrior family.
With deep appreciation,
Dolly Kervitzky and the PF Warriors team
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