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Although this isn't an HPS fundraiser, this is an announcement about a fundraiser for our friends at the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis. The funds will help overall pulmonary fibrosis research. I'm posting it for that reason, but also because I want to give a big kudoss to the country stars who are helping out.

Although just as many people die yearly from pulmonary fibrosis as from breast cancer, somehow pulmonary fibrosis doesn't get anywhere near the support from corporations or celebrities.

I don't begrudge folks fighting breast cancer anything. They've had huge successes and I think that's great. Hats off!!!

But, some days, it really gets to me that pulmonary fibrosis doesn't get more attention.

I have several theories about why.

First, I think it's because most people impacted by pulmonary fibrosis are older. Second, I think we've done such a good job of educating the public about the evils of smoking that the average person assumes if you have lung disease, you did it to yourself.

I've had HPS'ers on oxygen tell me that they've overheard comments about them as people made some snide remark about smoking. In both cases where I've heard this story, the person had actually never smoked - as if it would be any less rude if they had.

At any rate, I'm here to say lung disease, and more specificly pulmonary fibrosis, doesn't just happen to the elderly. I'm 35 and fighting pulmonary fibrosis. And it doesn't just happen to smokers. I've never even tried smoking.

It's a disease, just like cancer. We need a cure just as much.

At any rate, I'm putting away the soap box. Here's the announcement. Kudos to the stars that are helping out.


James Marsden Hosting Tribute Concert to Songwriter Dennis Linde
February 6, 2009
Actor James Marsden (X Men, Enchanted) will host a tribute to the late songwriter Dennis Linde on Monday (Feb. 9) at the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville. Marsden is married to Linde's daughter, Lisa Linde. Performers include
Montgomery Gentry, Joe Nichols, Mark Chesnutt, Eddy Raven and indie rocker Ben Lee, along with surprise guests. Linde's writing credits include Elvis Presley's "Burnin' Love," the Dixie Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" and Garth Brooks' "Callin' Baton Rouge," among many others. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis. A member of the Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Linde died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in 2006.

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