FAYETTEVILLE, N.C., May 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mayor, Nat Robertson, is proclaiming Friday, May 9th as Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) Day. The lung disease has no FDA approved treatments and claims as many lives each year as breast cancer, but awareness of the deadly disease remains low. Families and friends of Fayetteville residents lost to PF are holding a golf tournament and awareness event at Gates Four Golf & Country Club in Fayetteville on Friday where the proclamation will be made.
The Driving for PF golf tournament starts at noon on Friday, May 9th and will be followed by a dinner where local radio celebrity Mac Edwards will emcee the event and announce winners of the tournament. Prizes include a custom set of True Temper Sports golf clubs made for the Driving for PF Golf Tournament as well as a stay at a Breckenridge, Colorado, mountain-side condominium.
What: Driving for PF Golf Tournament at Gates Four Golf & Country Club
When: Friday May 9, 2014. 11:00 a.m. Check in and Registration. Noon Shotgun Start
Cost: $65 per player, includes play, golf cart, beverages, goody bag and dinner
Contact: Pat Mingle: pat@computereasenc.com or 910-864-8312
According to scientists, the incidence and prevalence of PF is on the rise across the nation, especially in certain states including North Carolina and South Carolina.
"I believe it is important for all members of our community to be aware of such a serious disease that is present in our own backyard," said Mayor Nat Robertson.
"We are making progress in PF research efforts to better understand this horrible disease," said Teresa Barnes, Fayetteville native and a founding board member of the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, the non-profit foundation that is hosting the golf tournament. "We get calls and emails every week from people across this region of North Carolina who have been diagnosed with PF or who have a family member who is suffering. It's efforts like this Driving for PF golf tournament that can help provide hope for these families."
The golf tournament will pay tribute to Hollis Richardson (Barnes' father), Ken Robinson, Trudy Tornblom, Ben Stanley and Dr. Bill McLester, all from the Fayetteville area and lost to PF. Major sponsors include Beasley Broadcasting, Bleeker Chevrolet, and InterMune, Inc.
Committee members include Pat Mingle, Sheri Collins, Peggy Stanley, Mandy Pittman, Robin Hunsucker and Renee Carter all of Fayetteville.
There are no approved drugs for PF in the United States, though a drug has been approved in Japan, the European Union and Canada.
About Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF)
Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) is a lung disorder characterized by a progressive scarring – known as fibrosis — and deterioration of the lungs, which slowly robs its victims of their ability to breathe. Approximately 128,000 Americans suffer from PF, and there is currently no known cause or cure. An estimated 48,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. PF is difficult to diagnose and an estimated two-thirds of patients die within five years of diagnosis. Sometimes PF can be linked to a particular cause, such as certain environmental exposures, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, residual infection, or autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. However, in many instances, no known cause can be established. When this is the case, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
About the CPF
The CPF is a 501C(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2001 to accelerate research efforts leading to a cure for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), while educating, supporting, and advocating for the community of patients, families, and medical professionals fighting this disease. The CPF funds promising research into new approaches to treat and cure PF; provides patients and families with comprehensive education materials, resources, and hope; serves as a voice for national advocacy of PF issues; and works to improve awareness of PF in the medical community as well as the general public. The CPF's nonprofit partners include many of the most respected medical centers and healthcare organizations in the U.S. With more than 28,000 members nationwide, the CPF is the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for those with PF. For more information please visit http://www.coalitionforpf.org or call (888) 222-8541.