Lung Fibrosis Awareness Month – Charlie Campbell

Denise Campbell and her husband Charlie, a farmer and father of three, have been living with lung fibrosis since he was first diagnosed in 2023. The dry cough began in Jan 2022 following a positive COVID test and by April 2022 the cough was incessant.  After several months of cough and breathlessness just performing his daily duties, Charlie attended the Emergency Department at University Hospital Galway where a CT scan highlighted a problem, but a diagnosis was not made.  

The next 12 months were an extremely stressful time as Charlie and Denise searched for a diagnosis. No one seemed to have any answers to Charlie’s increasingly serious health condition. In April 2023, out of sheer desperation, Denise telephoned the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association (ILFA). The wealth of information they received was life changing, including signposting to the Respiratory Medical Centre at University Hospital Galway. From that point forward Charlie received excellent and expert care for his condition including from his medical team and respiratory nurses. This care made a huge difference in their lives.  

Charlie was immediately diagnosed with fibrotic organizing pneumonia, a type of interstitial lung disease (ILD). He found he needed supplemental oxygen and would have limited mobility. Despite this overwhelming situation, Charlie continued to work the farm with fantastic support from family and friends. He hoped his ability to work would be enhanced by attending pulmonary physiotherapy. Although the waiting list was long, Charlie was able to attend an 8-week class which improved his physical strength and wellbeing. Unfortunately, after that class Denise and Charlie found they had exhausted the available services for lung fibrosis patients. They learned they were not eligible for physiotherapy classes, mental health or financial supports.       

“The point I want to make to the Irish Government” Denise Campbell said, “is that if you know where to look, we have excellent services and professionals working in lung health. They have saved Charlie’s life. We MUST continue to ensure that these services are fully supported in every possible way and that they are developed and enhanced as soon as possible. We struggled for more than a year to get a diagnosis and reach supporting services.”  

Denise went on to say, “Much more needs to be done to ensure that every patient in Ireland who needs respiratory services can reach them. We fully support ILFA’s pre-budget submission to the Irish Government, and appeal to our elected representatives to do what they can to achieve these life changing requests. “ 

The only “cure” for lung fibrosis is a lung transplant and recently Charlie received just that from the Heart and Lung Transplant Centre at the Mater Hospital. It’s a breath of new life for Charlie and as he recovers, he looks forward to getting back to the life he knew before lung fibrosis cast its dark shadow over his family. 

Maureen O’Donnell, CEO of the Irish Lung Fibrosis Association, said “we are absolutely delighted for Charlie and his family. He has been so brave, and now the lung transplant will give him a new lease on life. 

While Charlie’s story is truly inspirational, it is also unfortunately, rare. Lung fibrosis patients in Ireland face a battle on two fronts – against the progression of their disease and against a healthcare ‘system’ that isn’t fit for purpose. Diagnosis is often delayed; patients are excluded from necessary medical services; some travel great distances to receive proper care; and patients can literally slip into poverty because of high healthcare costs. It’s unnecessary and unacceptable.” 

September is lung fibrosis awareness month and ILFA is raising disease awareness and championing the cause of patients and the lung fibrosis community.  

For more information, contact us at info@ilfa.ie or 086 8715264.