Dear Friends and family, 

On May 21, 2005, my father passed away due to a disease known as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.  (IPF).  In general terms, Pulmonary Fibrosis causes permanent scarring of the lung which results in an irreversible loss of the transfer of oxygen into the bloodstream, leading to an inability to breathe.  There is currently no cure or survival rate for the type of Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) with which my father was diagnosed, although lung transplants are possible for the young and (otherwise) healthy. My dad was never a candidate.

IPF is often misdiagnosed, undetected and confused with different illnesses which have similar symptoms .  In my father's case, he was initially diagnosed with "early stage emphysema" in or about December, 2004.  However, after consult with two additional pulmonologists, a series of cardiac tests and blood work, the Pulmonary Fibrosis diagnosis was confirmed.  We were then told "we wished my father had emphysema."   

I watched my father's life and spirit deteriorate at a rapid pace.  Immediately, my dad was advised he must wear oxygen 24 hours a day as his lungs were struggling on their own.   Although my dad resisted this medical intrusion, he quickly realized the necessity of oxygen in his daily living.   This loss of independence and freedom soon resulted in my dad staying at home, resting on the couch and leaving his job as a wine consultant.  I believe this was one of the saddest days of his life. 

At some point my father could no longer walk, eat or talk without extreme loss of breath.  Our daily talks and weekly visits were tapered down to little or no conversation, with the only comfort taken through holding hands or telling him I loved him.  Through it all my dad always managed to call me baby ("hey baby"), ask how I was, and ask how Jeff and the kids were.  He would tell me the disease was not so bad as long as he did not move.  He was like that, always looking at the bright side of things and thinking about his family first. 

I am incredibly lucky and blessed to have had 36 years with my father.  Words can not adequately describe the love and admiration I felt for him, nor will words ever express how much I miss him.  I will carry his humor, intelligence and kindness in my heart and my thoughts and hope I am as loved by my children and family as he was by his. 

Please join me in honoring the memory of my father, Ronald Schuster, by attending a fundraiser in the hopes of raising awareness, and funds for research to help find a cure for Pulmonary Fibrosis.The event will be on July 8, 2006, at the Boonton Lanes, Boonton, NJ,   Of course, if you are unable to attend, donations are gratefully accepted directly to or on behalf of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

 All my love,    Steph

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All donations are tax deductible in accordance with IRS regulations.
For information regarding Pulmonary Fibrosis contact the Foundation at:
1332 N. Halsted St. Suite 201
Chicago, IL 60622
312.587.9272