Who We Are
About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) is to help find a cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), advocate for the pulmonary fibrosis community both locally and in Washington, D.C., promote disease awareness, and provide a compassionate environment for patients and their families.
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation has an ambitious, forward looking agenda to:
• Increase funding for IPF research and assist in creating partnerships between the academic research community and the biopharma industry.
• Foster the sharing of information and ideas in the clinical community through the creation of a biennial “IPF Summit,” beginning in 2011.
• Help create a national pulmonary fibrosis registry.
• Sponsor a series of webinars to more efficiently bring the latest information and research to patients and families.
• Establish a National Affiliate Program, which will increase patient outreach, enhance advocacy, expand disease awareness and augment our fundraising.
• Continue our commitment to strongly advocate for the IPF community locally and in Washington, D.C.
• Aggressively pursue increased public awareness through a series of public service announcements (PSA), social networking, and traditional media exposure.
Our History
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2000 by two brothers, Albert Rose and Michael Rosenzweig, PhD. Their sister Claire had died from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and the brothers were both later diagnosed with the disease. Their vision shaped the PFF to become a leader in the IPF community for research, advocacy, awareness and support. In February of 2002, sad to say, Albert Rose succumbed to the disease.
Dr. Rosenzweig was the Foundation’s first President and Chief Executive Officer. He worked tirelessly and passionately to build the Foundation, fund research and create a financially viable entity. He also helped recruit an outstanding Medical Advisory Board, which has provided keen insight and direction.
Unfortunately, due to the progression of his disease, Dr. Rosenzweig retired as President and CEO in March 2009. Daniel M. Rose, MD, the son of Albert Rose and chairman of the Board of Directors, then assumed the positions of president and CEO. Dr. Rose had previously been a practicing cardiothoracic surgeon and Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, Connecticut, for 19 years. Having had three relatives afflicted with IPF, he brings to the Foundation a family member’s passion and motivation, along with a broad medical background and a profound desire to lead the PFF into its second decade.
