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Mission

Our mission is to be a resource to those diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in order to educate patients and others about the disease and options for treatment; to offer hope, comfort, and knowledge to patients, caregivers, and their families; and to raise funds in support of research to find effective treatments and a cure for this disease.

About Us

Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis is a major life change. Belonging to the Garden State Support Group helps by connecting with others and sharing experiences, support, and direction. We are dedicated to helping persons affected by pulmonary fibrosis. We welcome patients and their family members, as well as care and support providers.

  • We provide information about the disease, its treatment, and the latest research we can uncover.
  • We have guest speakers connected to research and hospitals.
  • We raise community awareness.
  • We raise funds to support research.
  • We are a 501(c)(3) organization.

Meeting Information

Normally, we meet on the last Wednesday of each month at 7 PM at

Morristown Medical Center
Room 3B
100 Madison Ave
Morristown, NJ 07960

During the pandemic, we will meet virtually on Zoom. E-mail gspfsgbreathe@gmail.com for more info. See our calendar below:

Legal Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed by members or by presenters attending the meeting are based upon their own experiences. They are general in nature and should not be taken as recommendations or as a substitute for those recommendations by your physician or health care provider.

Contact Information

To join us, simply email gspfsgbreathe@gmail.com.

You can also find us on:

  • Facebook:
  • Instagram:

Donations: you can donate via PayPal here.

Activities

Every September, which is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, we organize a 5K Run/Walk to raise funds for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. In recent years:

Whether you walk or run or just join us for fun, we have food and drinks for participants, raffles, and prizes.

What is Pulmonary Fibrosis?

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 200,000 Americans and over 5 million worldwide are affected by Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF). This is a condition in which the lung tissue becomes thickened, stiff, and scarred. The development of the scar tissue is called fibrosis. As lung tissue becomes scarred and thicker, it loses its ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. As a result, the brain and the other organs don’t get the oxygen they need. In some cases, doctors can determine the cause, but in most cases it is unknown. When unknown, the disease is called Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

In 2014, two new drugs were approved by the FDA for the treatment of IPF. These drugs are: Esbriet (Pirfenidone) and OFEV (Nintedanib).

There are a variety of options to help you manage your condition and maintain your quality of life. Typical standards of care will include supplemental oxygen, pulmonary rehabilitation, referral for clinical trial participation, and/or lung transplantation.

Symptoms

  • Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
  • Chronic dry, hacking cough
  • Fatigue and weakness
  • Rapid weight loss
  • Discomfort in the chest

Diagnosis

  • High resolution CT scan (HRCT)
  • Pulmonary function tests
  • Listening for Velcro-like lung sounds with a stethoscope

Treatment

Individual treatment will vary to manage your symptoms. Possible treatments may include:

  • Supplemental oxygen
  • Pulmonary rehabilitation
  • Drug therapy
  • Lung transplantation

Resources