Community Unites In Raising Awareness of Pulmonary Fibrosis

Mal Doyle of West Hartford was rushed to the hospital two years ago after experiencing shortness of breath. There, he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a life-threatening disease that causes progressive scarring in the lungs. There is no known cure.

Doyle was prescribed oxygen therapy and a medication to help slow the progression of the disease. He was told he would have only a short time to live.

Doyle resolved to fight PF and, with help from the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), he started the Greater Hartford Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group. He also became a volunteer Ambassador for the PFF and works to raise awareness of the disease. He has received support from West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor and several businesses in the community.

“All of us breathe about 20,000 times a day and never give it a second thought. There is nothing more terrifying than struggling to catch your next breath,” said Doyle. “I'm grateful to so many people in this town who have come together and have been willing to help me create an awareness of this devastating disease.”

As a result of Doyle’s efforts, West Hartford will offer several events in conjunction with Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in September.

• Mayor Shari Cantor will issue a proclamation at the Town Council Meeting on August 13 declaring that September 2019 is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month in West Hartford.
• Blue Back Square, 65 Memorial Rd., will join iconic buildings and structures nationwide by featuring blue lighting during September to recognize Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. The blue lighting initiative will be promoted on social media with the hashtag, #BlueUp4PF.
• On Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., a special “Yoga From the Heart”class will be held at Webster Walk. Tickets are available for $20 online at YogaFromTheHeartStudio.com or in-person at the studio. All proceeds will benefit the PFF. Mayor Shari Cantor will officially kick off PF Awareness Month at the event. A special tour to view the blue lighting at Blue Back Square will follow the class.
• The Delamar West Hotel, 1 Memorial Rd., will turn its fountain lights blue for Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. The hotel’s mixologist will also create a blue drink to raise awareness of PF. Aportion of the proceeds will benefit the PFF.

About Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis is a group of lung diseases that causes scarring in the lungs, which limits the oxygen intake necessary for the brain, heart, and other organs to function. PF affects 200,000 Americans and 50,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. There is no known cure.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation mobilizes people and resources to provide access to high quality care and leads research for a cure so people with pulmonary fibrosis will live longer, healthier lives. The PFF collaborates with physicians, organizations, patients, and caregivers worldwide. The PFF has a three-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Better Business Bureau accredited charity. For more information, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733) or 312.587.9272.