Bruce, while living with PF, has stepped up to help others cope by re-starting the Ottawa Support Group and leading the first Ottawa Walk for PF. Thanks for being an inspiration to so many Bruce.
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Every name whispered, every photo shared, every story told keeps someone’s light shining. It brings comfort to grieving families, connection to those still fighting, and hope to all of us working toward a world free of pulmonary fibrosis.
Bruce Lonergan stepped up to help others cope
Although Bruce Lonergan, 64, has lived with IPF for more than seven years now, he has been fortunate that his disease has progressed quite slowly. The side-effects from anti-fibrotic medications have had the greatest impact on his life, rather than symptoms of the disease itself.
“When I listened to others during CPFF’s national support group meetings on Zoom, I could see and hear the fear and trepidation that people were experiencing and I needed to help,” he says.
Re-starting the Ottawa Support Group
Bruce heard that other communities had in-person support groups, and learned that Ottawa had one before the pandemic. He contacted CPFF about re-starting the group and was willing to be its volunteer leader.
The Ottawa Support Group now meets by Zoom on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. They also meet in-person on the fourth Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at various locations, indoors and out, depending on the weather.
“Each quarter, our in-person meeting is dinner at a restaurant,” says Bruce. “Our next one is August 28; however, we haven’t selected a restaurant yet. Anyone who wants to join us, should get in touch with me at CPFFOttawa@gmail.com.”
Building community awareness of PF
Last fall Bruce, along with Harprit Boiteux, a woman whose mother passed from PF, decided to organize an Ottawa Walk for PF on September 13, at the City of Ottawa (Overbrook) Park. The walk is to raise awareness and funds to support pulmonary fibrosis in their community.
“The Walk for PF is the anchor for the event, but we’ve also organized a round robin pickleball tournament, a kid zone, laser tag for older kids and a BBQ lunch with the help of the Rideau Sport Centre adjacent to the Park. I think it will be a very uplifting and fun time for everyone,” Bruce says.
So far, more than 55 participants have signed up for the event and they have raised more than $12,000 towards their $15,000 goal.
Why volunteer?
“Living with PF can be challenging,” says Bruce. “It changes patients’ lives and their families’ lives. I spent a lot of my professional life helping employees and departments be their best. I now find satisfaction in helping others who are more impacted by PF than I am so far.”
Like other volunteers, Bruce finds that giving to others helps him too.
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