National Donor Day – Lung Transplant Recipient and Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Available for Interview

This National Donor Day (Feb. 14), the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) honors lung donors for their life-saving contributions while celebrating the priceless impact that lung transplantation makes on the lives of those with diseases like pulmonary fibrosis (PF). 

More than 120,000 individuals are on the national organ transplant list – but there are only 1,000 lungs available for PF patients each year. For patients of PF, a debilitating lung disease for which there is currently no cure, lung transplant can provide a second lease on life – yet is woefully difficult to come by. 

Ironman triathlete Melissa Wheeler is one such recipient, having waited three years for her double lung transplant. Melissa is available for interviews to share her inspiring PF journey; from diagnosis, to lung transplant to today. Her avid involvement in the PF community ranges from her service as a PFF Ambassador to her participation in PFF events, including awareness walks and bike rides. Dr. Amy Hajari Case, FCCP, Senior Medical Advisor for Education and Awareness at the Foundation, is also available for comment.