IPF\u202fis a debilitating and complex disease and very little is understood about what causes the condition and how it behaves. Currently, the survival rates can be as low as some of the most devastating cancers. Unlike many people who are\u202fdiagnosed\u202fwith\u202fthe rare condition, John learnt first-hand the devastating toll this disease could take on his life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI\u202fhad\u202fbeen diagnosed with IPF and possible Post-inflammatory Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) in 2011 after a\u202fbushfire.\u202fAt the time, my\u202fGP had little knowledge of the\u202fdisease,\u202fso I wasn\u2019t treated\u202fproperly\u202ffor three years.\u201d\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When his brother became seriously ill\u202fwith IPF and passed away, John\u202fsought a second opinion\u202fand\u202fwas finally\u202fconnected with a respiratory specialist who\u202fhas helped\u202fmanage and treat his condition. With so many questions about the condition and few answers, dealing with a rare and progressive disease like IPF can have\u202fan\u202fenormous impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI became very angry, as I felt I had lost time from not receiving treatment for three years. Eventually the anger\u202fsubsided,\u202fand I went through a period of anxiety and depression. The uncertainty of prognosis and life expectancy weighed quite heavily for some time. Eventually I realised; I was alive today, would be tomorrow and next month and the anxiety and depression subsided\u201d\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Through our multi-million-dollar research program, Lung Foundation Australia provides seed funds to the best and brightest researchers to discover life-changing diagnosis and treatments <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While living with IPF has its challenges, John is determined to help create positive change for others living with a rare lung condition.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe researchers that give their time and energy to PF investigations are to be lauded. So far\u202fno cause has been identified, therefore there is no cure on the horizon. Any amount of money that can be pushed into research will, in time, bear significant fruit and provide hope for the many patients out there.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAlthough a lot has been accomplished so far, there is much more that needs to be done. The essential ingredients\u202ffor IPF to be resolved\u202fin the future\u202fare;\u202ftime, energy and money.\u201d\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To anyone who has or can give to help support dedicated PF research, John says \u201cthe biggest, loudest heartfelt “THANK YOU” I could muster.\u201d\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n