WA rare disease researcher urges community to step up for pulmonary fibrosis

This Rare Diseases Day, the Institute for Respiratory Health is calling on the Perth community to lace up their running shoes in the fight against a rare lung disease called pulmonary fibrosis.

Associate Professor Vidya Navaratnam, a pulmonary fibrosis researcher at the Institute, is urging local residents to sign up for this year’s HBF Run for a Reason to help raise vital funds for research into this rare lung disease.

Pulmonary fibrosis results in scarring of  the lungs, dramatically affecting the ability to breathe and perform daily activities. Despite its severity, pulmonary fibrosis has limited options for treatment and no known cure.

“We want to change  outcomes for patients with pulmonary fibrosis. The lack of awareness of the disease can result in a delay in diagnosis,” Associate Professor Vidya Navaratnam said.

“Our aim is to shine a spotlight on this debilitating lung disease and raise critical funds for groundbreaking research.

“By running on behalf of ‘Team Breathe’ at this year’s HBF Run for a Reason you can help to propel research into pulmonary fibrosis forward and offer hope to those affected and their families.”

The Institute is looking for individuals, families and corporate teams to run on its behalf to take strides against pulmonary fibrosis. You can run or walk – but by participating you will not only be keeping fit but helping to beat pulmonary fibrosis. 

Getting involved is easy. Early bird sign-ups are now open. Just head over hbfrun.com.au to register for the walk/run and search for the Institute for Respiratory Health as your charity of choice. You can also visit https://runforareason24.grassrootz.com/institute-for-respiratory-health.

Your participation and donations will directly support the Institute for Respiratory Health’s research and provide hope to those living with pulmonary fibrosis.

Rare Diseases Day is celebrated on the last day of February annually; the day is dedicated to raising awareness for the 300 million people living with a rare disease around the world.