There Are Other Chronic Diseases

This blog has concentrated on cancer, ovarian cancer in particular with a few dashes of breast, prostate & pancreatic cancer information. I've written about my experience with ovarian cancer, about ovarian cancer awareness activities, cancer research and fundraising opportunities in NJ. Why? Because many members of my family and friends have been affected by cancer.

A week ago Sunday I learned that my younger cousin C had passed away. C did not have cancer. She had pulmonary fibrosis. " Pulmonary fibrosis is the formation or development of excess fibrous connective tissue (fibrosis) in the lungs. It is also described as "scarring of the lung".(wikipedia) " On MedPage Today I read the article "Pulmonary Fibrosis and the End of an Era for Jerry Lewis and the MDA".

In July, a bill was introduced in Congress called the "The Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Enhancement Act".The bill would expand research and awareness, create a National Pulmonary Advisory Board and a National Pulmonary Fibrosis Registry. Some of the latest research into pulmonary fibrosis has found a link between the disease and gastroesophogeal reflux. The current level of research funding for lung diseases - other than cancer- is $ 1.269 billion annually. There are many chronic illness that also deserve those valuable research dollars.

Check out the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation site for more information.

Dee

Every Day is a Blessing!