Together, we are making a difference
When Robert Davidson, and his family, started the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF) in 2009, he wanted to make sure that no one living with pulmonary fibrosis would ever have to feel that they were alone with this disease. This is just one of his dreams that have become reality during the past 15 years.
The CPFF Impact Report for 2024 – 2025 and a new video “Bold Hope and Bright Impact,” offer insights into how CPFF and the PF Community in Canada have rallied together to improve the lives of patients living with PF and their caregivers.
The progress we’ve made is a testament to the unwavering generosity of our supporters. Every action we take is rooted in what we hear from our community and is reflected in the tangible changes we see: greater public awareness, stronger connections, and a clearer path to better care. With promising new treatments on the horizon and expanding research efforts, we are committed to generating hope one breath at a time. As Robert Davidson said, “Breathing should never be hard work.”©
Events
Happening Soon
Sep
6
10 AM to 2 PM ADT
Yarmouth Walk for PF
Sep
6
5:30 PM to 8 PM PDT
Kelowna CPFF Walk for Helene
Sep
13
9 AM to 2 PM EDT
Ottawa CPFF Walk for PF
Sep
13
9 AM to 5 PM EDT
Ottawa Pickleball for PF
Sep
13
11 AM to 2 PM MDT
Calgary Clarke Walk for PF
Sep
15
7 PM to 8 PM EDT
Caregiver Support Group
Sep
16
3 PM to 4 PM EDT
National Patient Support Group
Sep
20
10 AM to 2 PM EDT
Markham Robert Davidson Walk for PF
Sep
22
7 PM to 8:30 PM EDT
Newly Diagnosed Family Meetup
Sep
27
10 AM to 12 PM EDT
Montreal CPFF Walk for PF
Sep
29
7 PM to 8 PM EDT
Caregiver Support Group
Keep on walking with hope
September marks the peak of our 2025 Awareness Campaign with six communities holding Walks for PF, as well as the month-long Virtual Walk and our first Pickleball for PF tournament in Ottawa.
To date (September 4), 740 people have signed up to participate, 61 teams have registered, and we’ve already surpassed our $100,000 goal; raising $141,398.
If you’re planning to attend an upcoming walk, order your Tackle the Crackle t-shirt for pick up at a Walk now!
Many thanks to everyone who has taken part, or will do so. Extra kudos to our dedicated volunteers who are a big part of these experiences. It’s not too late to help out at the remaining events. Watch our new video on volunteering with CPFF and then get in touch if you are interested.
August Walks
Saskatoon
Saturday, August 9, Kiwanis Memorial Park
More than 70 participants registered and raised more than their goal of $5,000. While the day began with rain and poor air quality due to smoke, those who were still able to attend were upbeat and enjoyed a walk along the beautiful South Saskatchewan River as the rained cleared. Dr. Stacey Lok, a local ILD specialist, attended the Walk. She is a former CPFF Robert Davidson fellow.
Avonmore Run The Farm for PF
Saturday, August 16, Avonmore Berry Farm
This certified run/walk 5 km event had 113 participants, many from the Russell Run Club and the Cornwall Multisport Club. They raised more than $18,000 on this sunny and fun day. After the event, refreshments included farm fresh goodies, including: corn on the cob, strawberry popsicles, and homemade cookies. Of special note, Pam Phillips was presented with the King’s Medal of Honour for significant contributions to her community by MP Eric Duncan at the event. You can read more about the Phillips family’s journey with PF here, or watch the video.
Winnipeg
Saturday, August 23, Assiniboine Park
More than 250 participants, many of them families, raised $60,000 in this Walk for PF. Despite the cold, it was a fun day with games and an upbeat warm up. Lots of dogs and hugs. A very supportive community gathering.
Dedicated student takes on Ironman challenge to support PF
On August 3, Andres Moran-Macdonald took on the Ironman Canada Race to shine a light on those who face far greater challenges every day: people living with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
The grueling contest included a 3.8 km swim in the Ottawa River, a 180 km bike course through city streets and rural areas, and a 42.2km flat run ending at the Parliament of Canada.
“My relative health allows me to do some crazy things like this Ironman, but I don’t want to run it just for myself,” says Andres. “By using what my lungs can do, I want to bring attention to those who struggle to breathe every single day. By partnering with CPFF, I am confident the money I raise will go to the institutions helping those with pulmonary fibrosis the most.”
With a goal close to his heart, Andres raised an incredible $2,600 in support of the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF).
His motivation comes from a lifetime of seeing the importance of lung health from growing up with a father who is a respirologist and he is now conducting hands-on research with IPF lung tissue during an internship at St Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. He understands the toll this disease takes on patients and their families.
Andres, your determination and heart inspire us all. Thank you.
Patient and Caregiver Stories
A conversation about pulmonary fibrosis
Featuring Heather and Mark Davidson
CPFF founder Robert left a monumental legacy of awareness, information, and hope for the pulmonary fibrosis (PF) community in Canada and around the world. He established the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in 2009, less than two years after his own idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis diagnosis and a few months before receiving a double-lung transplant.
Robert rallied people living with PF, their loved ones, and medical professionals, and was a real source of hope.
In this video, Heather and Mark Davidson describe Robert’s PF journey from the perspective of his wife and son and encourage us all to help raise hope, awareness, and funds for this debilitating disease.
We celebrate CPFF Founder Robert Davidson and thank Heather and Mark for sharing their family’s pulmonary fibrosis journey.
Karen Wade’s journey with PF
Karen’s pulmonary fibrosis (PF) journey began with a recurring cough, and being an avid walker, Karen noticed she was unable to walk her usual distances. During a physical therapy session, she was rushed to hospital with a collapsed lung and diagnosed with PF. Oxygen therapy significantly changed Karen’s day-to-day life, but the care and support from her family has played a vital role in ensuring she can continue to do the things she loves.
Stan Hendriksen is forever grateful to his donor and her family
Stan was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in 2016, during a month-long hospitalization for what was initially believed to be pneumonia. By January of 2021, Stan desperately needed a lung transplant. Against all odds, he received his life-saving transplant weeks after being placed on a transplant list and expresses deep gratitude for his donor, a 28-year-old woman whose life ended far too soon.
Tributes
A reminder to send in your tribute submission
CPFF is planning to wrap up it’s 2025 Awareness Campaign with a special tribute video. Don’t miss this opportunity to honour someone who has been affected by pulmonary fibrosis. They could be a family member who has passed away or is living with PF; a caregiver or friend who has supported you; or a healthcare professional who has made a difference in your life.
Send us a photo of the individual you’d like to honour with a short caption including their name and one sentence about them or why you are grateful for their support.
Featured Videos
Bold Hope and Bright Impact
The Heart of Volunteering with CPFF
Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms: Listen for the Signs