Barrington Hills Woman Helps Raise Funds, Awareness for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary Fibrosis is a devastating disease literally taking the breath away from those afflicted with it. Also known as scarring of the lung, the illness has limited treatment options and no cure. After losing her father to Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2002, Barrington Hills resident Jennifer Bulandr knew she needed to do something to raise awareness for the disease.

“My dad was diagnosed in 2002 with pulmonary fibrosis after six years of misdiagnosis.  He was dead nine weeks later. In my search for answers I found the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and when I saw it was here in Chicago I was able to volunteer, serve on their board, and finally work for a cure and treatment for this disease,” Bulandr said.

Bulandr is the Director of Community Affairs for the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. The group is hosting its annual Breathe Benefit fundraising event this weekend on Oct. 13 at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. Even those outside of the Chicago area can participate in the event this year with the addition of Global Dinners.

“[Global Dinners is] A way for people around the WORLD to participate by hosting a dinner or an event on Oct. 13 (or close enough!) as a way to share awareness of pulmonary fibrosis and raise funds. We are sending the Global hosts information about our evening such as award winners, speakers, etc. We have about 20 global dinners/events happening across the nation and several happening abroad,” Bulandr said.

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation does not receive government funding, so the Breathe Benefit is the main way they raise money for research and awareness of the disease. The event will bring together patients and their families, doctors and donors for an evening of great food and drinks, notable guest speakers and awards. The Emcee for the evening will be Mary Ann Ahern of NBC5 Chicago. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the efforts of everyone who works to support the Foundation’s mission while raising funds and awareness for the fight against pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal lung disease which has no FDA approved treatment and no cure,” Bulandr said.

Tickets are $250 and are available for purchase on the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s website.