Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis

Support groups: through our support groups, the Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis connects patients, care partners and families to essential education, support and resources while navigating Pulmonary Fibrosis. We have evolved from one support group in the lehigh valley, Pennsylvania area to 18 support groups in Pennsylvania, new jersey, and Delaware. We have transitioned our support groups to a virtual platform and maintained consistency with attendance as we prioritize the needs of patients and families. To grow and develop our programming, our collaborative efforts with major medical centers and area community hospitals remain strong with patient and community engagement. We have expanded our groups to prioritize care partner support, lung transplant education, and overall mental health. Additionally, our support groups have been expanded further to include women, veterans, and grief groups.

Pa-ipf support network: the pa-ipf support network is a grant-funded program under Wescoe Foundation for Pulmonary Fibrosis. This program is a new, one-of-its-kind, only state-wide ipf support network that exists in the united states. We have incorporated centers of excellence to continue effective education and support throughout Pennsylvania. Led by leading experts, we hold a monthly Pulmonary Fibrosis podcast on all topics dealing with Pulmonary Fibrosis. The support network also provides patient and provider checklists, patient guides, and other valuable, practical tools for patients and families. We have led a very successful Pulmonary Fibrosis awareness campaign through ipf community awareness events, passing of pa senate resolution designating a week in september as research and awareness week, and lighting 30 prominent landmarks and 22 Pulmonary rehabilitation centers blue. As part of the support network, we have created an innovative web application to connect patients and families to supportive care and education resources.