Over $60,000 was raised recently during Winnipeg's second annual Walk for Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) held this past weekend at Assiniboine Park. Roughly 300 people showed up for the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s (CPFF) Winnipeg walk on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. It is estimated that 14,000 new diagnoses of PF will be given to people in 2025. The disease affects a person's lungs with progressive scarring that makes them harder over time, causing the person to have difficulty breathing. "The event raised an astounding $61,000 as family, friends, caregivers and health professionals walked shoulder to shoulder with PF patients," says CPFF in a news release. "Those much-needed funds will help fund resources, advocacy, research and support for the 30,000 Canadians living with PF." PF currently has no cure, which is why fundraising walks like these are put on. The funds raised go toward research for PF as well as to support families who have someone battling this progressive disease. According to CPFF, roughly 3,000 Canadians die each year from PF. "Most people living with PF eventually rely on supplemental oxygen. Yet in Manitoba, access can be especially difficult due to strict medical qualifying criteria and limited funding for portable oxygen. Portable oxygen is vital for people with PF, who often struggle to breathe when exerting themselves. Doctors stress the importance of staying active with this disease — but without portable oxygen, maintaining activity becomes an enormous challenge." There are currently clinical trials in the works, and CPFF is encouraged as they share they're on the "cusp of a big leap forward." “We are really encouraged by the latest medical breakthroughs with new medications that are the first novel treatments for pulmonary fibrosis in ten years," says Sharon Lee, Executive Director of the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (CPFF). "We are so deeply moved and inspired by the Winnipeg community’s incredible show of support at this walk; the determination and resilience of our PF community fuel the hope that keeps us going.”