BUILD Event – 29th November at University Limerick

Are you a patient or family member of someone living with Interstitial Lung Disease or pulmonary fibrosis? Join us for this exciting event!

When: Friday 28th November, 2024 10:00 am -3:00 pm

Where: The Pavilion, University of Limerick

Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided.

The event is free – register at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/build-buddies-in-interstitial-lung-disease-university-of-limerick-tickets-1067245412759

29th October, 2024 

For Immediate Release: 

Irish Lung Fibrosis Association Welcomes Significant Budget Allocation 

The Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) is delighted to announce the Association is being allocated a new and significant level of investment in the upcoming HSE Service Plan. 

We believe that the funding allocated to lung fibrosis in Budget 2025 will support the development of a disease registry, improve patient access to pulmonary rehabilitation, fund the establishment of the clinical care pathway, and provide necessary technical expertise to improve ILFA’s programmes across our three strategic outcomes: 

While the funding announced is only for 2025, it lays a clear and solid foundation to build from in our goal of realising a Clinical Care Programme for lung fibrosis patients. This funding allocation is especially significant as it is the first time that dedicated resources have been designated for lung fibrosis.  

Maureen O’Donnell, CEO of ILFA said, “We are deeply grateful to the Irish Government for their commitment to lung fibrosis patients. When in September, at Deputy Lahart’s request, Minister Donnelly agreed to meet with our delegation and consider our budget requests, I didn’t know we would achieve this result. Our job now is to ensure that our patients see the full benefit of this investment.” 

“For more than 20 years, without public funding, ILFA have supported lung fibrosis patients and their families through the most difficult journey of their lives. The funding allocated in budget 2025 should be used to provide patients with desperately needed services and supports and we will work to ensure that it does. We look forward to engaging with the Minister and members of the Department of Health and the HSE soon to agree the best use of the funding for patients.” 

 On 22nd October, Minister Stephen Donnelly provided the following response to a parliamentary question lodged by Deputy John Lahart: “As part of Budget 2025, I was delighted to be able to provide funding of €0.5m for lung fibrosis. Officials in my Department are currently liaising with the HSE on how this funding can be best utilised to provide supports and services to lung fibrosis patients in Ireland. I have also asked that a meeting be arranged with the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association to gather their views and to ensure that my Department, the HSE, and the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association work collaboratively to ensure this investment provides the most benefit to lung fibrosis patients and their families. “ 

ENDS

For more information: Maureen O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association

In ILFA’s final Let’s Talk session for 2024, All About Medication, Lynn Fox, Advanced Nurse Practitioner with the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital will discuss the primary therapies for lung fibrosis and provide guidance for attendees in managing side effects.

Date: 5th November 2024
Time: 11:00-12:00

Register for this free event here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f21bbaf5-1634-4237-8a10-03e1460448b5@a269f87c-f8e5-4dd4-9341-aef9beeb799e

Experience the world in a day filled with diverse cultures, delicious food, and unique crafts at the International Bazaar Sunday, December 1st from 11 am to 4:30 pm at the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The International Charity Bazaar was established in 2019 by embassies resident in Ireland as a way of giving back to the community. All proceeds from sales on the day this year will go to four charities, one of which is ILFA to fund our walking packs.  We would love for you to join us for this vibrant celebration and immerse yourself in the beauty of global traditions. Don’t miss it!

Good nutrition is important for everyone, but for people with pulmonary fibrosis it’s particularly important. Eating a proper diet helps maintain a healthy weight, provides energy, and keeps the immune system working. Being overweight can put extra pressure on the lungs making it harder to breathe. On the other hand, being underweight can lead to a weakening of your breathing muscles. It’s a difficult balance.

In ILFA’s latest Let’s Talk session, Nutrition for People Living with Pulmonary Fibrosis, Sandra Murphy, Clinical Specialist Dietitian in Cystic Fibrosis Ireland & Heart & Lung Transplant Unit of the Mater Hospital will discuss the link between diet and health and provide guidance for attendees in maintaining proper nutrition to support optimal health.

Register for this free event here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/c6aab338-37ca-4996-b6f4-86a223b4be30@a269f87c-f8e5-4dd4-9341-aef9beeb799e

We are delighted to reveal our colourful Christmas card selection for 2024!
Please consider supporting the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA) this Christmas and help raise awareness.
Our festive Christmas cards are made in Ireland and are available to order from ILFA by emailing info@ilfa.ie or calling 086 057 0310
1 pack of 10 cards (2 cards each of 5 designs) costs €6
2 packs of cards cost €10
We would be grateful for any donation towards postage and packing costs if you can afford this.

ILFA’s next Patient Information Day will take place online on:

Thursday 28th November 2024 from 11.00am to 1.30pm

Our panel of speakers will be announced shortly but sessions will include information regarding the latest developments in Pulmonary Fibrosis as well as several key updates regarding ILFA’s work on behalf of lung fibrosis patients.

There is no charge for this event. To register, email info@ilfa.ie or click on the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bDmWpiNiTlWiwnToescDIg#/registration

Rachel Pender and her family are holding a 5km and 10km fun run for all the family on Sunday 9th March 2025 in memory of her father, Tom Pender. The event will start at 10am from the Coral Leisure Centre, Arklow, and will raise funds for @ILFA Ireland. All are welcome to take part. All finishers will receive a specially commissioned medal. Sign up at the link below to register to run, jog and walk on 9th March 2025.
https://in.njuko.com/tom-pender-breathe-easy-5k–10k…
Join the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association next Tuesday for our Let’s Talk session. Our guest speaker is Helen Mulryan, Respiratory Advanced Nurse Practitioner, at Galway University Hospital. “Let’s Talk ILFA Patient Charter (advocating for yourself) and Patient Entitlements’ will take place on Tuesday, 16th October at 11,30am.
Please contact info@ilfa.ie or call 086 871 5264 to register for this talk.

For September’s Lung Fibrosis Awareness month, Nicola Cassidy, ILFA Director, wrote an article on the current state of Interstitial Lung Disease in Ireland. Read this informative article here:

Interstitial Lung Disease – An update from the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association