'Emotional Boost' For Skokie Mom Living With Deadly Lung Disease

SKOKIE, IL - From PFF Walk: Maryann Leisner of Skokie endured a difficult journey before receiving a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in May of 2011. For several years, Maryann had been experiencing a persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue and frequent bouts of bronchitis. Attributing these issues to aging and being out of shape, Maryann never pressed her physician for further exploration. When her physician eventually did a CT scan of her chest, it showed she was living with the progressive, deadly disease that involves scarring of the lungs.

Although Maryann was relieved to have answers and a treatment plan, she quickly learned that life with IPF would bring about many changes. With each new issue, her friends and family provided both physical and emotional support, and on Sept. 15, they will join together as “Mar’s SOB Squad” (SOB stands for Shortness of Breath) to celebrate Maryann at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s (PFF) 2nd annual PF Walk Chicago.

About 1,000 people are expected to attend the event in honor of loved ones or in memory of those who have battled against pulmonary fibrosis (PF). PFF Walk Chicago, held at Diversey Harbor in Lincoln Park, provides an opportunity to unite the community, build awareness and sustain vital programs for people living with PF.

Emceed by Mary Ann Ahern of NBC 5 Chicago, the event will feature one-mile and three-mile courses offering beautiful views of Chicago’s skyline and lakefront. Registration opens at 9 a.m. for the walk starting at 10 a.m.Registration is free.

“Events like the PFF Walk are an emotional boost, a genuinely good time and a chance to share experiences and stories with other families who are also living with PF,” said Maryann. “I feel lucky and blessed to be supported by my friends and extended family, and we find it rewarding to give back to the PFF.”

Maryann and her family have endured many challenges. A year after her diagnosis, Maryann was told she would need a lung transplant to survive. Immediately, she and her family researched the process, which can be lengthy and difficult.

Lung transplantation is usually considered after other medical therapies have been exhausted. Experts consider lung transplantation when a patient’s life expectancy is predicted to be only one to two years without the transplant, or when lung symptoms have severely limited quality of life.

PF is the number one cause for lung transplantation in the United States. Of the 2,449 lung transplants performed in 2017, about half were for PF.

On June 5, 2013, Maryann received a single right lung transplant at Loyola Medical Center in Chicago. Today the disease remains in her native lung, and since the surgery, she has remained positive despite challenges along the way. Maryann’s family and friends have been a tremendous support system. Her husband, Paul Leisner, volunteers as a PFF Ambassador, speaking at events and helping raise awareness of the disease.

“Living with PF has physical and emotional challenges, and at times, patients may feel alone in their fight, but attending the PFF Walk Chicago is an important reminder that we are a strong and supportive community,” said Bill Schmidt, President and CEO of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). “It is a community that understands what patients and family members experience, and then motivated by this knowledge, works tirelessly toward the day when there is a cure for this disease. When people come together for the same goal, great things happen!”

For those unable to join the PFF Walk Chicago, a virtual opportunity is available. People may register for the online walk and interact with the PF community across the globe. The PFF encourages virtual participants to complete their miles at a park or route close to home.

For more information and to register, visit pffwalk.org.

The PFF Walk is sponsored by Genentech, a Member of the Roche Group.

Image Credit: Leisner Family at 2017 PFF Walk Chicago (Courtesy Beth Richman)