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PRINTER'S NO. 3419
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 529
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY RAPP, VENKAT, KAUFFMAN, PICKETT, RIVERA AND
GALLAGHER, MAY 14, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, MAY 20, 2026
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of September 20 through 27, 2026, as
"Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research and Awareness Week"
in Pennsylvania to increase awareness and understanding of
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis to support improved diagnosis
and treatment.
WHEREAS, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a debilitating and
generally fatal disease marked by progressive scarring of the
lungs, causing an irreversible loss of the lung tissue's ability
to transport oxygen; and
WHEREAS, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis progresses quickly,
often causing disability or death within three to five years;
and
WHEREAS, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common
form of interstitial lung disease; and
WHEREAS, There is no proven cause of idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis, and it is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed; and
WHEREAS, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is five times more
common than cystic fibrosis and Lou Gehrig's disease, yet the
disease remains virtually unknown and receives a fraction of the
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research funding; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
affects between 132,000 to 200,000 individuals in the United
States and more than 48,000 new cases are diagnosed each year;
and
WHEREAS, Approximately 40,000 people die each year due to
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which is similar to the number of
deaths that occur due to breast cancer; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 7,000 Pennsylvanians suffer from
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has become a leader in the
research and treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, with
more than 15% of all lung transplants in the United States
performed in Pennsylvania hospitals; and
WHEREAS, Organizations like the Wescoe Foundation for
Pulmonary Fibrosis play a crucial role in raising awareness and
providing support and education for patients, families and
health care providers throughout this Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, Increased research, awareness and detection of
idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is needed; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of September 20 through 27, 2026, as "Idiopathic Pulmonary
Fibrosis Research and Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania to
increase awareness and understanding of idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis to support improved diagnosis and treatment.
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