Pulmonary support group holding event

LITCHFIELD — In honor of National Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is holding an awareness event Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside Stop and Shop in Litchfield.

This event is held to increase knowledge of pulmonary fibrosis and how it affects individuals and their families, and to help raise funds for research. Proceeds will go directly to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosisfoundation.org).

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a lung disease that makes it harder to breathe over time. It is a condition in which lung tissue becomes scarred, thickened and stiff. It can dramatically limit the lifestyles of those afflicted with this disease. There are no known cures and more research is needed. It is estimated that over 200,000 people suffer with this disease and over 40,000 will be diagnosed this year.

The hospital’s Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group, the event sponsor, holds meetings that offer accurate, up-to-date information about pulmonary fibrosis, including symptoms, management, forms of treatment, clinical trials and ongoing research. The group talks openly about the challenges of living with pulmonary fibrosis in a comfortable and safe environment where participants exchange ideas, compare experiences and learn from others.

The next meeting is scheduled f Oct. 9 at 3 p.m. in the hospital’s Center Conference Room, 780 Litchfield St., Torrington. For more information and to RSVP for the meeting (by Oct. 5), contact susan.muphy@hhchealth.org or call 860-496-9381.