[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 75 (Wednesday, June 8, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION

  Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise to speak today in order to 
recognize the fifth anniversary of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. 
This foundation, headquartered in Chicago, strives to educate, 
advocate, and fund research on pulmonary fibrosis, a terminal lung 
disease.
  A few weeks ago, the Daily Herald, a newspaper based in Arlington 
Heights, Illinois, published a story about the Lukasik family. John A. 
Lukasik died at the age of 58, just 9 weeks after he was diagnosed with 
pulmonary fibrosis. Mr. Lukasik and his family didn't know anyone with 
the disease, or what to expect from it. After Mr. Lukasik passed away, 
his daughter Jennifer Bulandr helped organize support groups and joined 
the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation as director of community relations. 
Mrs. Bulandr wanted to be a part of the solution in helping those with 
pulmonary fibrosis. The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has provided a 
channel for her--and many others--to reach this goal.
  Since the formation of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in 2000, it 
has succeeded in raising crucial funds to research a disease that kills 
approximately 40,000 people annually. While the progression of the 
disease, along with factors relating to its origin, are not fully 
understood, there are a variety of causes--inhaled environmental and 
occupational pollutants, certain medications or drugs, genetics, and 
therapeutic radiation contribute to the progression of the disease.
  Pulmonary fibrosis has a number of effects on people. It causes 
shortness of breath, discomfort in the chest, and fatigue. Once scar 
tissue is formed on the lungs, it cannot be removed. Although 
medication can limit the inflammation of the lungs caused by pulmonary 
fibrosis, there is no cure.
  The foundation is dedicated to finding a cure and raising awareness 
about pulmonary fibrosis. It seeks to improve quality of life for the 
people affected by the disease through support services for patients 
and their families.
  It is my pleasure to congratulate the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 
on the occasion of its fifth anniversary and to commend the foundation 
for its efforts to find a cure and help those who suffer from this 
devastating illness.

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