Helping Our Patients to Breathe a Little Easier

Pulmonary fibrosis is a scarring of the lungs that affects millions of people worldwide and is a major source of distress. In the United States alone there are upward of 150,000 patients whose condition is idiopathic—the source of their suffering is unknown.

What we do know is that scarring is a normal response to injury—such as infection, smoke inhalation, or radiation therapy, among other causes—but pulmonary fibrosis is different. The scar response occurs but gets progressively out of control as scar tissue replaces healthy tissue in the lungs, which impedes the body’s ability to draw oxygen from each breath.

The Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute, a partnership between Jefferson Health and National Jewish Health, is working to discover answers to what causes pulmonary fibrosis and better ways to treat the condition, through forward-thinking basic science and translational research. Part of this effort involves raising awareness by engaging with patients and their communities, empowering them with the information they need to make decisions and be their own best advocate.

Every day, our clinicians, researchers, and staff work to understand and overcome this affliction. The Jane and Leonard Korman Respiratory Institute is leading the fight against pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, asthma and other lung disorders, and it is able to make groundbreaking discoveries because of the support of our benefactors and community. With their aid, we are able to fund the research necessary to treat lung disease and help those afflicted to live happy, healthy lives.

Please join us so we can breathe easier—together.