CULVER CITY, Calif., Nov. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead
After nearly 15 years of service to the Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) community of patients, families, researchers, physicians and advocates, the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) announced today it will be closing. The 501c3 non profit organization was founded in 2001 to accelerate efforts to find a treatment and a cure for PF.
The CPF will cease operations, effective immediately and remaining funds, after meeting closing costs and financial obligations, will be donated to leading Pulmonary Fibrosis research organizations. Some key CPF programs will be moved to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, a non-profit organization with a similar mission, based in Chicago.
"Today marks a new day in the PF Community. The time has come to create one voice, one effort in the relatively small space and to allow energy and resources to become stronger than ever," said Mishka Michon, Chief Executive Officer for the CPF.
"The Board of Directors of the CPF believes the time could not be better for the CPF to merge our key programs into the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF). The CPF will fully support the Chicago-based non profit's efforts in the PF space and will join alongside them to unify efforts and strengthen our progress," said Chairman of the Board, Jeff Harris.
"This new, unified voice is one the PF community has long wanted and we are pleased efforts the CPF started will continue through the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation," added Michon. "As we look to a great future, one that we believe will include the eradication of Pulmonary Fibrosis,, we look back at our history with pride and gratefulness to the PF community," said Michon.
The CPF was the first non-profit for PF to form a national coalition of doctors and hospitals, researchers and research institutions, industry, compassionate volunteers and donors and tens of thousands of individual PF victims and their friends and families. The CPF has, with their help and support, supplied millions of dollars in research funds, held educational programs across the country, helped established multiple support networks, provided guidance to patients, caregivers and families and has served as a central source for important patient information to tens of thousands.
"The CPF owes warm thanks to many who have been instrumental in moving this cause forward including the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), The American Thoracic Society (ATS), biotech and pharmaceutical companies, thousands of researchers, hundreds of advocates, our founders and our staff," said Michon.
About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a condition in which, over a period of time, lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As the lung tissue becomes scarred and grows thicker, the lungs lose their ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and other organs don't receive enough oxygen. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause of the fibrosis, but in many cases, there is no known cause. When the cause of the fibrosis is unknown (and certain pathologic or radiographic criteria are met), the disease is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF. There is no cure for IPF. Presently, there are two FDA-approved treatments for IPF in the U.S.
Teresa Barnes 303.521.4080
