As a post-transplant patient, protecting my mental health is vital
When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, there didn’t seem to be as much chaos in the world as there is today. Perhaps the drama seemed…
Make Every Breath Count
— Samuel Kirton
Sam Kirton started his column in November 2021 and writes from his home at Lake Anna, Virginia, where he lives with his wife Susan. His diagnosis at age 59 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in January 2017 began a journey of awareness and advocacy. Sam was listed for a lung transplant on March 19, 2021 and received a bilateral lung transplant on July 10, 2021. This was quite the change from his career as a special agent for the Office of Special Investigations and as a corporate security executive. Sam plans to share his journey so you, too, can make every breath count. You can follow Sam’s thoughts on LinkedIn.
Featured Post
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation will celebrate 25 years at summit
In just over a month, one of the largest gatherings of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) patients, caregivers, and health professionals will take place in Chicago, at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) Summit 2025.
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The big shift: My decision to stop working
I was recently asked when I stopped working and how I knew it was time. First, let me tell you: It wasn’t an easy decision. My idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) diagnosis came…
Sharing some updates as I complete another trip around the sun
At the end of this week, I will complete another trip around the sun. This seemed like an appropriate time to provide you with updates on several columns I have shared in the past…
The need for pulmonary fibrosis awareness never ends
When I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, the disease was a mystery to me. I’ve shared before that when my wife, Susan, and I left the clinic…
Navigating emotional ups and downs on my IPF journey
Buckle up. The past three weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for me. On a scale of -10 to 10, I’ve hit both extremes. I’m no stranger to emotion; some would say I…
A new twist in my journey: Familial idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. That line is adapted from a 1785 poem by Robert Burns titled “To a Mouse.” I had an entire month of columns…
Tales of 2 women, both named Melissa, on their IPF journeys
My name is Sam. I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, and I hate this disease. My life was extended by a bilateral lung transplant in July…
‘You can’t have that’: The diet restrictions since my transplant
Before I was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in January 2017, I had only one dietary restriction: cucumbers, which were my nemesis. I wasn’t allergic, but they gave me immediate and…
How a caregiver support group can benefit from a patient’s perspective
Last week, I participated in one of the most unique speaking opportunities I’ve had on my journey with pulmonary fibrosis. I was asked to provide a patient’s perspective to a caregiver support group.
In the PF community, our shared experiences go beyond our health
Looking at the person sitting nearby, I’ll often say, “So what are you in for?” While to me the question is slightly reminiscent of a conversation between two inmates, that’s not the case in…
Facing up to the dangers of rising temperatures with IPF
A Newsweek article from a few weeks ago was headlined, “Washington, D.C., Endures Most Blistering Heat Wave in Nearly 100 Years.” As I write this, another article, this one from The Washington…
How the SOAR Act could benefit supplemental oxygen users
Oxygen is necessary for sustaining human life. Most people find the concentration of oxygen in room air (about 21%) to be adequate. For patients with pulmonary fibrosis, this concentration is often inadequate,…
