Leslie Howard

I was diagnosed with PF almost 6 years ago, after having lung surgery to remove some suspicious spots on my lungs. After understanding what my diagnosis meant ( I had never heard of PF prior to that) I spent about three weeks depressed and scared, and telling my loved ones what my final wishes were. I was 45 years old at the time.

One day, I woke up, and realised that I had this day; Today! I don't know how many days I will have, so I am going to make the most of this one. I planned a cruise to Alaska, because I always wanted to see it before I died. And I planned other trips to place I wanted to visit. I took up horseback riding again. I took up belly dancing again. I pierced my nose. (yeah! at 45 I pierced my nose!) I gave up eating at fast food places, and I started eating healthy foods. I started geting involved with charities, and have raised well over $10,000 in 5 years for the Revlon Run/Walk for women. I just finished a fund raising event I put together for Haiti, raising $2000. Next month I am going to take my first ride on the back of a Harley Davidson because that, too, is something I want to do before I die! After that--who knows? The sky's the limit! (I always wanted to try sky diving!?!?!?!)

I am lucky, in that my PF has not progressed since my diagnosis. I am not taking any medications for my lungs. I am happy, and I live relatively stress free.

Living with PF has been a good thing, one of the best things that has ever happened to me! It has made me live life to the fullest!

Leslie Howard
New Rochelle, NY