PF Warriors - Pulmonary Fibrosis, IPF, other Rare Lung Diseases

05/09/2025

This Nurses Week, we thank the extraordinary nurses who walk beside our PF Warriors every step of the way.

Your skill and presence bring comfort on the hardest days and hope when it's needed most. We appreciate and honor you, not just this week, but always.

05/08/2025

PF Warriors is proud to attend and exhibit at the annual American Thoracic Society (ATS) International Conference, one of the largest educational meetings for healthcare professionals focused on pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine in San Francisco, CA, May 16 - 21.

PF Warriors will be at Booth 1931, representing the patient voice, advocating for the community, and helping expand awareness of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD).

05/06/2025

🎉 We are thrilled to celebrate Craig Kanarick, who walked 32 miles around Manhattan, just 13 months after his double lung transplant!

UPDATE! Donations are still coming in! If you want to make a donation in honor of Craig, Team CK, your PF Warrior, your caretaker, etc. please visit bit.ly/32forPFW ❤️💙

On May 3rd, Craig, his wife Jayna, his children Ezra and Odessa, and his incredible Team CK took on Shorewalkers The Great Saunter, circling the entire island in a single day.

Craig didn’t walk just for himself. He walked for every person battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). He walked to give back to PF Warriors, our nonprofit community that, in Craig’s words, was “emotionally life-saving” during his hardest days.

When Craig joined our online support groups, he experienced firsthand the heart of PF Warriors: patients helping patients. Through real advice, shared stories, and deep connection, he found the strength to face each day. Today, he’s determined to make sure no one facing pulmonary fibrosis ever feels alone.

Craig also walked in honor of the anonymous 14-year-old donor whose lungs are a profound gift that fill every step with meaning and gratitude.

We are pleased and grateful to share that Craig has already raised $63,519 for PF Warriors! ❤️💙

05/05/2025

Today is Sleep Apnea Awareness Day, which the American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) initiated to educate the public about the symptoms and the significance of seeking treatment. Join us for our monthly educational meeting as we explore an important topic for many in our community—sleep apnea and pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

🗓️ Saturday, May 10, 2025
🕙 10 am Central Time (US)
📍 Online via Zoom

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, a long-time PF Warrior, or a caregiver supporting a loved one, this session will offer meaningful insights and practical tools to help you manage your health more effectively.

What You'll Learn:
❤️ Understand the connection between sleep apnea and pulmonary fibrosis, and how sleep-disordered breathing can impact symptoms, oxygen levels, and overall quality of life.
💙 Recognize key warning signs of sleep apnea and why early diagnosis matters—especially for those living with PF.
❤️ Explore treatment options like CPAP therapy and supplemental oxygen that may help improve sleep, energy, and daily functioning.

Dr. Lancaster will answer your questions in a live Q&A session after the presentation. Submit your questions in advance to Meetings@PFWarrior.com.

Register Today: https://pfwarriors.zoom.us/meeting/register/MOkEhp7MS7icUh2riU_R1g #/registration

05/02/2025

One year ago, Craig Kanarick — CEO of New York City Cruise Lines, the Hell’s Kitchen-based company behind Circle Line Sightseeing Cruises at Pier 83 — was recovering at NYU Langone Hospital after a double lung transplant.

This Saturday (May 3), as he leads the company in celebrating 80 years of taking millions of visitors around New York, he’ll mark another milestone: walking 32 miles around the perimeter of Manhattan to raise money and awareness for PF Warriors, the organization that supported him through his battle with pulmonary fibrosis.

Read more of Craig's story here and how he is spreading awareness of pulmonary fibrosis and raising funds for PF Warriors! https://w42st.com/post/lung-transplant-circle-line-ceo-craig-kanarick/?

After surviving a double lung transplant, Craig Kanarick walks Manhattan’s 32-mile perimeter to support PF Warriors and raise awareness.

05/01/2025

Your Voice Matters: - Help Shape the Future of Care!

At PF Warriors, we are dedicated to amplifying the voices of patients, caregivers, and families affected by pulmonary fibrosis. Your lived experience is powerful and essential. That’s why we’re inviting you to be part of something meaningful.

We’re building opportunities for patients and caregivers to share insights with healthcare leaders, researchers, and pharmaceutical companies who are working to improve treatments, services, and support for those affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

Learn how you can be involved! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5D2LQYX

04/29/2025

Summer trips, family visits, and appointment related travel can be exciting—but also a bit stressful when you're managing a lung condition like pulmonary fibrosis.

Here’s a simple but smart tip we came across recently, and it’s worth repeating:

"If you have medical issues, including severe obstructive sleep apnea, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, or heart failure, you should avoid alcohol on planes." - Dr. Mary Branch, board-certified cardiologist

Got a favorite travel tip? Let us know! We will feature ideas from our community in upcoming posts!

A new study suggests that drinking alcohol before taking a nap on a plane could be dangerous — here's why.

04/27/2025

This month, we honor members of our community who face more than just pulmonary fibrosis. Some live with conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects moisture-producing glands and may contribute to lung complications, and sarcoidosis, where clusters of inflammatory cells can form in the lungs and other organs.

We also pause to recognize the life-changing gift of organ donation, which offers hope and a second chance to so many in our community.

These challenges can add complexity to care, but they also highlight the strength and resilience of our members.

Learn more and connect with our community - https://pfwarriors.com/events/?mc_cid=a1e1edf773&mc_eid=UNIQID

04/26/2025

Please help us wish PF Warrior Volunteer Executive Committee Member Genovese a very Happy Birthday today!

Theresa is always there with a kind word and an open heart. She is the very definition of a tireless advocate and selfless volunteer. Her work lifts others up and brings hope where it’s needed most. Theresa, you are the very definition of Patients Helping Patients!

Wishing you the best birthday from all of us in your PF Warrior family!

{Image is from ATS 2024 - we love Theresa's smile!}

04/23/2025

PF Warriors wants to express our deep gratitude to all the incredible individuals who have given their time and energy to support our community during National Volunteer Week.

We are especially grateful to:
❤️ Those who bravely share their stories in support groups
💙 Clinical trial participants
❤️ Our patients helping patients
💙 Dedicated care partners
❤️ Our invaluable volunteer staff
💙 Generous donors
❤️ Our Medical Advisory Committee
💙 And every single person helping to advance our mission

YOUR contributions make a lasting impact!

Ready to get involved? Complete our survey to find your next volunteer opportunity!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5D2LQYX

04/22/2025

Update: Kristen just made a donation!! Can we get THREE more donors?? ❤️💙

In just 24 hours, 16 incredible new donors stepped up to support Craig and his amazing effort to raise funds for PF Warriors and spread awareness of the disease that connects us all.

We’re now only 4 donors away from reaching our goal of 200 donors!

Craig Kanarick is just 13 months post-double lung transplant. On May 3rd, just 11 days from now, he will be walking 32 miles around Manhattan as part of Shorewalkers The Great Saunter.

Craig is walking for everyone living with pulmonary fibrosis, for caregivers, and for the future of PF Warriors. He’s already inspired 180 generous donors to support his journey.

❤️ Can we rally just 4 more donors to help us hit 200?

It’s not about the amount you give—it's about the power of community, of living up to our motto of Patients Helping Patients. Even $5 can make a huge difference and send a strong message of support. Every donation counts!

Donate now! http://bit.ly/32forPFW
{Photo of Craig with his daughter Odessa on a recent 20-mile walk as part of his training for The Great Saunter!}

04/21/2025

Join us April 24th at 10am CT for our monthly PF Warriors open question and answer meeting. This monthly session is led by patients and caregivers. Ask questions and learn more about living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).

Do you have questions? Email us ahead of the meeting at Meetings@PFWarrior.com. you have questions or can contribute answers, your presence is valuable.

Register Here! https://bit.ly/W2WAPR2025

Do you have questions? Email us: Meetings@PFWarrior.com.
Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.