Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Welcomes ‘Ambassador’ Applicants
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is welcoming pulmonary fibrosis (PF) patients, caregivers, and lung transplant recipients in the U.S. willing to volunteer as PFF Ambassadors.
The PFF Ambassador program is designed to offer hope and inspiration to those affected by PF through public speaking and heightened awareness of this lung disease. The PFF is especially encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds. The submissions deadline is Tuesday, Feb. 8.
Before setting out to begin advocating for the PFF and the PF community, ambassadors will receive educational and public-speaking training, tentatively slated for April 6–8. They also receive ongoing support.
“PFF Ambassadors offer hope and inspiration to those affected with pulmonary fibrosis by speaking about their experiences, promoting disease awareness, and providing up-to-date information,” the PFF states on a program webpage.
Ambassadors share their individual PF journey in settings such as PFF Care Center Network sites, fundraisers, support group meetings, and educational events. Due to the ongoing pandemic, only virtual engagements are permitted. Air travel will be required once all is again sufficiently safe, and ambassadors can expect roughly two to four trips annually, which are paid for by the organization. Honoraria are available for event attendance.
During their three-year term, ambassadors can also expect monthly PFF teleconferences and will be required to engage with fellow ambassadors on the program’s web platform. They also must distribute PFF resources and participate in the organization’s disease education webinar series, PFF telephone support groups, and other educational opportunities.
Qualifications include effective verbal and written communication skills, a basic understanding of communication technologies, and an awareness that some audiences — which will include the general public, lung transplant recipients, and healthcare professionals — may require a more customized approach. Applicants should also possess a high degree of empathy and initiative, as well as sound decision-making skills.
When applying, candidates are required to state why they’re interested in an ambassadorship position and how they would convey hope and inspiration to the PF community.
After applying, candidates will be interviewed virtually by a PFF review committee member. For more information about the program, contact Ephraim Abocado at [email protected] or by calling 312-224-8112.
The PFF Ambassador program is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim and Genentech.
About the Author
