Samuel (Sam) joined BioNews in November 2021 and writes his column from his home at Lake Anna, Virginia. His diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in January 2017 began a journey of understanding, advocacy, research, awareness, and a personal commitment to “Make Every Breath Count.” As his disease progressed, he was listed for a lung transplant on March 19, 2021, and received a bilateral lung transplant on July 10, 2021. His plan for the column is to share his journey so you, too, can make every breath count.
One of the most certain parts of our lives is the order of the calendar. “Thirty days has September,/ April, June, and November,/ All the rest have thirty-one,/ Save February at twenty-eight,/ But leap year, coming once in four,/…
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“While walking on the beach yesterday, I realized how I’m feeling about PF, in general, is like the tide. There are times like now that I’m riding the high tide, full of energy about taking on PF activities (hosting…
I’ve spent much of my working life conducting investigations. As a special agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and in a second career providing security and investigative services under contract to the federal government, the cases…
Shortly after my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I spoke with my pulmonologist, Dr. Steven Nathan, about participating in research. One of the first projects I joined was the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF)…
One of the more difficult parts of my journey has been remembering those I’ve met or learned of who’ve passed away from pulmonary fibrosis (PF). There are so many. It’s why we must all move forward in pursuit…
During my pulmonary fibrosis journey, I learned that one of the best things I could do for myself was to become an active voice on my care team. As a patient diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) more…
If you have spent any time on the internet, you have likely found some incredibly useful, accurate information. At the same time, you likely have encountered misleading claims, missed an opportunity to have large sums of money transferred to…
My 2017 diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis changed all our plans. Over the course of our journey, my wife, Susan, found herself responsible for many tasks I’d normally take on inside and outside of our home. Susan…
When I see an adult acting out in public, I find it annoying. If a front-line healthcare worker asks you to properly wear a mask in a clinical setting, please adjust your mask. Complaining about the rules and overreach…
The day you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness is generally a day you won’t forget. The words from my doctor, Steven Nathan, made sense in the moment. They also became a collection of sound bites. They fall into…
Indulge me for one minute and think of some of the firsts you’ve experienced. What comes to mind? Is it the first time you tied your shoes? The first time you held your firstborn? The first time…
Did you ever play Pac-Man? The bright yellow Pac-Man would wander through the maze, happily munching down the blinking dots. That’s how I feel about my energy levels as a pulmonary fibrosis advocate. I pursue advocacy with a…
Following my diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I knew the disease would diminish my quality of life. For about three years, my IPF progression stair-stepped — that is, I’d remain stable for a…
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