The Phillips family has been profoundly affected by pulmonary fibrosis (PF), a disease that irreversibly damages and scars lung tissue, and has no cure. After losing their mother and four uncles to the disease, the Phillips family recognized the signs of PF, and three out of the four siblings were eventually diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
Dave Phillips was the first in their generation of the family to be diagnosed with PF. In this video his daughter Megan describes her dad’s journey with pulmonary fibrosis and his tragic death at the young age of 56 years old. David Phillips’ legacy lives on through his family and the continued fruits of their labours at Avonmore Berry Farm.
Laurie Arkinstall, a sibling of the late Dave Phillips was diagnosed in 2018, facing the disease with resilience, adapting to life with oxygen support, and continuing to find joy in baking and cooking. Laurie awaits a lung transplant, holding onto hope for better treatments in the future. “Living with this disease, you have to just keep going, keep moving, keep doing what you love to do, and accept it for what it is”, says Laurie as she describes her journey and how she copes.
Though Leslie, Laurie’s twin, does not carry the genetic marker for PF, she supports Laurie through the difficulties of daily life. Leslie discusses the emotional and physical challenges of being the only sibling without PF. She expresses hope for a cure, emphasizing the importance of supporting research and community efforts.
In tribute to Dave and the many other treasured family members lost to or affected by PF, a 5km charity run is organized annually at Avonmore Berry farm in support of the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF). The goal of this annual event is to spread awareness of PF and to raise funds to help find a cure.
We celebrate the Phillips Family and thank them for sharing their pulmonary fibrosis journeys. If you or someone you love is experiencing breathing difficulties talk to your doctor.