For the estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people in the US diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), finding a community is important. IPF is a rare lung disease, which you can read more about here.
IPF often leaves people who live with this progressive lung disease isolated and feeling down. Their caregivers may feel defeated, too. So it’s essential to reach out and find a support group that knows what you’re going through and can help you find resources. But support groups need support, too. The cost of room rental, materials, printing, publicity, and refreshments can add up.
That’s why the Leanne Storch Support Group Fund was established in 2012. The fund is named to honor Leanne Storch, the former executive director of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) who was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in 2003. Storch ran a local support group for 10 years and continues to be passionate about supporting those living with PF.
Applying for a grant is easy. Groups are limited to one grant per funding year. Support group leaders can request funds to cover expenses and costs related to starting and/or running a quarterly or monthly PF support group.
All grant applications are received on an ongoing basis. The 2018 cycle will begin in March.
All applications will be reviewed and scored by the Leanne Storch Support Group Fund Review Working Group of the PFF Support Group Selection Committee, which is made up of PFF Support Group Leader Network members and PFF staff. Funding decisions will be made based on the overall quality of the application.
Starting a support group in your community will empower you to help yourself and others live more fully with IPF.
