DELANCO, N.J., May 13, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Most people from Delanco remember Vic Vittorino as a leader and a fighter for the needs of the town and its residents. What they may not know is that the former mayor fought against Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF, also known as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis or IPF), the deadly, untreatable lung disease that claimed his life and that his children still fight in his memory.
Mike Vittorino and his sister Stacey Powell are holding the second annual Vic Vittorino Walk for Your Next Breath in Delanco on Saturday, May 18th along Rancocas Creek. The Delanco walk is part of a nationwide campaign called "Walk for Their Next Breath" with walks happening all over the country to raise awareness of PF and benefitting the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, a national non-profit organization that supports patients and families and funds promising research efforts (for more information, visit http://www.coalitionforpf.org).
"Our dad, Vic Vittorino, lost his long, courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Now, we hope his life will serve another purpose," said Stacey Powell, Vittorino's daughter.
Vittorino, who died July 2, 2011, was an Army veteran and served his community in many ways, including his service as Deputy Mayor or Mayoral positions from 1999-2004 (mayor in 2000, 2001 and 2004).
PF is a debilitating and deadly lung disease that causes the lungs to scar to the point of suffocation and has no FDA approved treatment and no cure. Vittorino's friends and family will be among those walking in tribute to him and thousands of other New Jersians who suffer from the same untreatable lung disease.
"Mike, Stacey and their family are an inspiration and we are immensely grateful to them for having the courage to fight even after they have suffered such loss," said Mishka Michon, CEO of the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis. "Finding treatments and a cure takes the help and dedication of advocates like the Vittorino family."
What: 2nd Annual Vic Vittorino's Walk for Your Next Breath
When: Saturday, May 18, 2013, Walk Start: 10 AM
Where: Meet at Gate Way Park (Burlington Avenue and Rancocas Avenue) for walk along Rancocas Creek
Registration: Adults: $20 (Children under 12 are free – but please register as an adult to receive a tee-shirt); Family Registration: $100 (includes four individual registration and recognition at event); Family Sponsorship: $250 (includes four individual registrations and prominent recognition on promotional and event day materials). **Register by April 26th to receive a tee-shirt.
To register for the walk online or to make a donation if you are unable to attend, please visit: http://www.firstgiving.com/coalitionforpf/2ndvittorinowalk
For sponsorship opportunities or further questions, please contact:
Mike Vittorino, CPF Volunteer Coordinator Vittorino0@gmail.com / 412-736-1890 or
Su Hwang, CPF Staff at info@coalitionforpf.org / 888-222-8541 x 704.
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 501C3 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 26,000 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 www.coalitionforpf.org or call (888) 222-8541.