Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis Kicks Off "Lips for a Cure" Promotional Campaign With Mary Kay Products

Promo Pays Tribute to Mary Kay Director Lost to Pulmonary Fibrosis

CULVER CITY, Calif., Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) announced today the launch of the first campaign to raise funds for Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) while paying tribute to a Mary Kay independent sales director who lost her fight to PF at the age of 45.  The "Lips for a Cure" campaign kicks off today and runs through February 29, 2012. (To view ad, visit: http://www.coalitionforpf.org/cpf_events_detailes.php?id=534)

In August, Doris Lowenthal, a Mary Kay independent sales director, lost her fight to Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF), an incurable lung disease that has no FDA-approved treatments, and which kills more than 40,000 Americans each year - as many as breast cancer.  Ironically, Lowenthal was a two-time breast cancer survivor and received a lung transplant for PF five years ago. To read Lowenthal's story, visit: http://www.coalitionforpf.org/ofs/pdf/30DorisLowenthalstoryAugust2011. 

"Doris really wanted to hold a promotional campaign this holiday season to draw attention, funding and awareness to Pulmonary Fibrosis, the disease that ultimately cost her her life," said Barry Lowenthal, Doris Lowenthal's husband.  "When she was in the hospital, she was talking about how great this campaign was going to be.  We worked to make this effort happen for Doris and other patients and families fighting the disease."

Kim Meyers, a Mary Kay independent senior sales director and close friend of Doris', worked with the CPF to plan the sales promotion and she will lead the effort as well as other future promotions.  "Doris was such a beautiful person and really wanted people to understand this little known disease from which she suffered.  She freely shared her story with others and now we're sharing her story and kicking off the 'Lips for a Cure' in her memory," said Kim Meyers. 

"We are so fortunate to have known Doris and worked with her on and off Capitol Hill to raise awareness for Pulmonary Fibrosis," said Mishka Michon, Chief Executive Officer of the CPF.  "She was so upbeat and positive and we will keep her memory alive with the success of 'Lips for a Cure.'"

For those stricken with PF, the lungs become scarred to the point that they can no longer make the necessary blood-oxygen exchange necessary to breathe and eventually causes patients to suffocate. 

50 percent of Mary Kay products sold using this code: LIPSFORACURE through the website link: www.marykay.com/kmeyers will go to the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, to help find a cure for PF and to support patients and families. To order Mary Kay products through this promotion, visit www.marykay.com/kmeyers and type in the code: LIPSFORACURE in the comments section of your order form.  To place a phone order, contact Kim Meyers at (703) 200-8462. 

To learn more about Pulmonary Fibrosis, visit www.coalitionforpf.org.    

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 Daughters of PF
In 2011, the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis launched a new effort inspired by the tens of thousands of daughters (and others) who have seen a parent suffer from PF.  The women involved in Daughters of PFare professional women in various fields and specialties including legal, medical, and educational.  The women are creating projects across the country and in their local areas to increase awareness and understanding of PF and also holding fundraisers to raise needed money for research and patient support services.  Their efforts are reflective of their interests and talents and will allow them to make a difference right where they are.  For more information, contact the CPF at [email protected] or call 1-888-222-8541, ext. 702. 

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 23,000 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