Danbury Native Fighting Life-Threatening Lung Disease, Residents Rallying in Support

DANBURY, CT — A Danbury native known by friends as "the guy who never quits" is suffering from a life-threatening lung disease, and residents are banning together to help raise funds in support of his treatments.

Patrick "P.J."Mannion, 57, suffers from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a life-threatening lung disease which requires a transplant. According to a HelpHopeLive crowdfunding page established by Kathy, Chris and Brad Mannion, P.J. Mannion is in a lung transplant program and is waiting to be placed on a transplant list.

"P.J. is known by all as the guy who never quits, the one who puts his all into everything that he does, and the friend who’s willing to help whenever someone calls," reads the crowdfunding page."He’s a husband, a dad, a brother, a treasured family member who loves with all his heart and somehow has the ability to make you laugh whether you want to or not."

According to a report from The Daily Voice, Mannion lived in Danbury until 1987 and now lives in Oxford. He is now on short-term disability due to his condition.

"He has been given supplemental oxygen and uses it to engage in many everyday activities," reads the page."As you can imagine, for someone as active as P.J., this has been a struggle as well as a challenge, however his faith has been an incredible source of strength."

As of Feb. 17, the page has raised $21,290 of its $50,000 goal. There will also be a fundraising dinner in benefit dinner, raffle and silent auction at Pizzeria Mazzo on Newtown Road in Danbury on April 1.

To contribute to P.J. Mannion's fundraiser, click here.

Image via HelpHopeLive.org