Author Archives: BNS Staff

Photo courtesy of Aishia Burnett Day 30 of 30 This is Aishia Burnett’s story: January 2015: Picture it: I was working full time, going to school part time, a mom to two high schoolers, happily married to my best friend. I got pneumonia and my doctor sent me for…

Photo courtesy of Emma Schmitz Day 29 of 30 This is Emma Schmitz’s story: I hadn’t planned on being a caregiver for my mom in my 20s, but it felt like the least I could do after the support she and my dad have given me throughout my life.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Schaefer Day 28 of 30 This is Kevin Schaefer’s story: Four years ago, I accepted a position at BioNews Services, the parent company of Pulmonary Fibrosis News. Having lived with a neuromuscular condition called spinal muscular atrophy my entire life, I already had a…

Photo courtesy of Andrew Mooney Day 27 of 30 This is Andrew Mooney’s story: I was diagnosed with IPF nine years ago and am living with my condition as best I can. My wife, Lyn, has been at my side from the start and has been a constant…

Photo courtesy of Shari George Day 26 of 30 This Shari George’s story: “Ma soeur.” Strange how a pet name can become so important, like a code that transmits more than the actual words. French for “my sister,” these words evoke so many memories — and the memories are…

Photo courtesy of Holly Patient Day 25 of 30 This is Holly Patient’s story: I don’t know exactly when my IPF journey began. Was it on that hike, when I felt dizzy and out of breath? Was it that time when I fell skiing and literally could not…

Photo courtesy of Jofac O’Handlin Day 24 of 30 This is Jofac O’Handlin’s story: My story begins when my wife and I each suffered a bout of pneumonia in February 2013. When it came to recovery, Susan came out of it much sooner than I did, and the X-rays…

Photo courtesy of Tracey Harms Day 23 of 30 This is Joan Ciccarelli’s story: My name is Joan Ciccarelli. I am 83 years old and have lived with IPF for at least 12 years. I have tried everything possible to help myself and my well-being. These days, I…

Photo courtesy of Rand O’Brien Day 22 of 30 This is Rand O’Brien’s story: It started when I began feeling short of breath when I reached my third-floor office. I thought it might be my heart since two years prior, I’d had two stents put in. But after my…

Photo courtesy of Kevin Olson Day 21 of 30 This is Kevin Olson’s story: I joined the Greater Kansas City Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group, making several new friends who would influence my life. Unfortunately, we would lose some of them to this dreadful disease. I am honoring some…