Why Support IPF Research?
As many as 80,000 Americans are now living with a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Every year it is estimated that 30,000 Americans will die from the disease or a condition made worse by the disease. That would make IPF comparable in deaths with pancreatic cancer at 29,082 per year (1999) and prostate cancer at 31,728 per year (1999). IPF affects more people than cystic fibrosis and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. Yet, most people have never heard of it, and compared to cystic fibrosis and Gehrig's disease, IPF is underfunded.
Most people who die from it are in the most productive years of their lives, between the ages of 40 and 70. Productivity is lost in the workplace. Families are losing the grandparents, parents, and siblings who lead and mentor, and who nurture and comfort. This is a tragedy for families and a great loss of talent for our society.
Little money is allocated to find the cause and cure of IPF. It amounts to about $217 per patient per year—less than the cost of a one-day stay in a hospital.
With your help, the Simmons Fund will change that.
There are about 80,000 patients with IPF in the United States, half of whom will not live longer than three years.
The Simmons Fund Plan
Because so little is known about IPF, and the need is so great, it is going to take many generous donors to make the breakthroughs that will end the devastation of IPF.
With your help and support, we will increase the level of funding available for medical research info IPF. We will challenge researchers with the specific goal of finding the cause and cure of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Fifty gifts at the Research Patrons level ($1,000) will allow us to fund a new researcher’s work for a full year. A research team effort costs in the range of $150,000 to $250,000 per year. Special funding initiatives need your help—but all gifts, regardless of amount, are welcome and will advance our efforts.
We hope you will honor us with your support today.