CPF Announces Honorary Board of Directors Members

Celebrities and Public Figures Lend Help to Pulmonary Fibrosis to Raise Awareness of Deadly Lung Disease

CULVER CITY Calif., Aug. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) today announced a new Honorary Board of Directors for the Foundation.  The Honorary Board members are noted public figures who are committed to the goal of finding treatments and a cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF), a fatal lung disease with no FDA-approved treatments and no cure.

The CPF Honorary Board of Directors inductees are:

Tom Brokaw, news anchor and author, and Meredith Brokaw, author and educator

Dick Cook, media executive, former Chairman of Walt Disney Studios, and Bonnie Cook

Tommy Hawkins, two time All-American Basketball player, broadcaster, and baseball executive

Tom Johnson, media executive, former Chairman of CNN, and Edwina Johnson

Jay Leno, Host of NBC's The Tonight Show, and Mavis Leno, Human Rights Activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee

James Marsden, actor, and Lisa Linde Marsden, actor  

Peter and Merle Mullin, philanthropists

Paul Reiser, actor, writer, and producer, and Dr. Paula Ravets Reiser, clinical psychologist

Daniel Stern, actor and director, and spouse, Laure Stern, youth activist

Olene Walker, former Governor of Utah and PF patient

"We are honored and delighted to induct these truly exceptional individuals on to the CPF's Honorary Board of Directors," said Mishka Michon, CEO of the CPF.  "We are fortunate indeed to have such knowledgeable, accomplished, and committed people join us to take on the cause of Pulmonary Fibrosis."

The CPF's Honorary Board members have personal ties to the disease which has impacted loved ones and friends.  Their names are expected to help in building of public recognition of Pulmonary Fibrosis. Said Laure and Daniel Stern of their involvement: "PF is a disease that remains unrecognized by the general public. We have seen the pain Pulmonary Fibrosis causes patients and their families, and we are pleased to serve in this capacity, so as to help raise awareness of this deadly disease and to support the CPF in its efforts to find treatments and a cure."

When asked about his willingness to join the Honorary Board, Tommy Hawkins responded, "I am proud to be asked to serve on this Honorary Board in support of the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis and for the patients who are fighting this horrific disease." 

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 501(c)(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 24,000 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.

SOURCE Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis