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COOPERSBURG, PA – The Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis in conjunction with the PA-IPF Support Network brought together IPF patients, care partners, advocates, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders to share the launch of their new one-of-a-kind web app and celebrate a very successful September Global Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. Held in Coopersburg, PA the birthplace of the Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis, the press conference highlighted all programming updates, and the Borough Hall was filled with special guests Senator Pat Browne (R-16), Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman, Jim Carns with a patient perspective, and pulmonology/critical care experts, Dr. Livia E. Bratis of St. Luke’s University Health Network and Dr. Scott F. Blumhof of Lehigh Valley Health Network.
“This is where it all began with my dad, Ron Wescoe, and the strong ties in our local community which now resonate throughout the entire pulmonary fibrosis community in Pennsylvania,” said Jennifer Wescoe, Wescoe Foundation, Founder and Executive Director. “We are devoted to stakeholder mapping until everyone in Pennsylvania knows that the PA-IPF Support Network exists as an important, valuable, and free resource for all affected by pulmonary fibrosis.”
The event offered a thorough presentation about the new PA-IPF Support Network, the only state-wide pulmonary fibrosis support network in the United States, as it approaches its two-year anniversary in January. Jennifer Wescoe shared the many valuable resources that the support network offers the Pennsylvania pulmonary fibrosis community including the launch of their new web app, the only resource of its kind in the United States connecting PF patients to support and education.
The presentation also focused on the PA-IPF Support Network’s other programming highlights:
- Exceptional and practical resources to help navigate pulmonary fibrosis including patient guide and patient/provider checklist
- Monthly podcasts with listeners spanning 47 countries and 2,000+ downloads to date
- Quarterly Seminars and Lung Transplant Educational Series held virtually
- Connecting patients and families to support groups
- IPF Care book – electronic flip book and printed version
- September Pulmonary Fibrosis Global Awareness Month – 31 Pennsylvania landmarks illuminated BLUE across the Commonwealth, the most in the United States
- Senate designated the week of September 18 – 25, 2022 as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research and Awareness Week in PA to increase awareness and understanding of IPF to support improved diagnosis and treatment
- Awareness events – Coopersburg 5K for Pulmonary Fibrosis, PF Awareness Golf Outing, and upcoming Wescoe Walk for Pulmonary Fibrosis on Saturday, October 29
Attendees learned more about pulmonary fibrosis through thought-provoking presentations from pulmonary fibrosis experts:
What is IPF?
Dr. Livia E. Bratis, DO – Chief of St. Luke’s Pulmonary & Critical Care Associates / Clinical Assistant Professor, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Symptom Management and Treatment for IPF
Dr. Scott F. Blumhof, DO – Lehigh Valley Physician Group Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
The Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis and the PA-IPF Support Network graciously thanked Senator Browne for his unwavering support in championing the cause for the pulmonary fibrosis community for many years. “Pulmonary Fibrosis is all too prevalent in Pennsylvania, affecting our neighbors, friends and loved ones,” Senator Browne said. “The launch of the new PA-IPF Support Network web app will help patients and caregivers find the resources and support they need to combat IPF. I am proud to work with the Wescoe Foundation and the PA-IPF Support Network to support their efforts to bring greater public awareness and education of this disease.” The Borough of Coopersburg was also recognized for its continued support and for proclaiming September as Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month.
About the Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis:
In loving memory of Ron Wescoe, Jen’s beloved dad, the Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides support, education, advocacy, and resources for patients living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), as well as their care partners and families, in order to sustain the highest possible quality of life.
About the PA IPF Support Network:
We are a support network throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania dedicated to connecting patients living with IPF, their care partners, and healthcare providers to each other as well as to important resources and information.
What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)?
Pulmonary fibrosis is the progressive scarring of the lungs that occurs when air sacs known as alveoli gradually become replaced by fibrotic tissue or scar tissue. As the scar tissue becomes thicker, it leads to stiffness of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. Pulmonary fibrosis is found in over 200 lung disorders, so it is important for your healthcare provider to identify the cause of the fibrosis because different types of fibrosis respond to different treatments.
#paipfsupportnetwork #wescoefoundation
Information Provided By:
Jennifer Wescoe Singley, M.Ed., NCC
Founder, Executive Director
Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis
