Pulmonary Fibrosis Month - September 2025

WHEREAS In Canada, there are 30,000 people who have been diagnosed withpulmonary fibrosis or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (if the cause is unknown), withmany more still waiting to be diagnosed; and

WHEREAS pulmonary fibrosis a little-known, progressive and potentially fatal lungdisease that causes scarring in the lungs and shortness of breath, depriving the body of oxygen; and

WHEREAS people living with pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosiscould benefit from early diagnosis and treatment to slow down and, in some cases,stop the progression of the disease; and

WHEREAS pulmonary fibrosis affects not just individuals, but their families, friends,employers, and communities, and are often given little attention or concern by thegeneral public, the general health care system, and elected and appointed publicpolicy makers, resulting in inadequate priority being given to the disorder; and

WHEREAS the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has designatedSeptember as Pulmonary Fibrosis Month and urges increased effort and actionintended to improve access to quality care, support research into new and
improved treatments and provide support services to improve the quality of life forthose living with pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and theirfamilies.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Shawn Pankow, Mayor of theTown of Smiths Falls do hereby proclaim the month of September, to bePulmonary Fibrosis Month in the Town of Smiths Falls and urge all community
members to become informed and involved to fight to eradicate this seriousdisease.