Veteran With PF Reaches New Heights

Adam Faatz is no longer in the U.S. Army, but he is using his acquired training and discipline in a battle he never anticipated. Faatz, a 34-year-old veteran from New Jersey, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2018. Not only is he fighting PF, but he is literally climbing mountains to raise funds for the PFF. And he’s enlisting everyone he can to join him.

Faatz began experiencing PF symptoms during Army boot camp in 2006. He was prescribed steroids to treat his severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. Determined to complete his tour of duty, Faatz lived with his symptoms for nearly 10 years. But when his shortness of breath became intolerable, he went to a pulmonologist who ordered a chest CT. The scan revealed more than 17 nodules in his lung. When Faatz was told that he had PF, he was numb. He had never heard of the disease.

“I had to quickly learn what my journey would look like,” Faatz said. “I became passionate about raising money for the PFF while challenging myself physically to achieve new goals.” Faatz partnered with a friend who is an avid hiker and they trained together for three months. The training was grueling and included daily workouts at the gym and a weekly regimen of squats, pushups, and sit ups. Last December, Faatz hiked to the summit of Mount Marcy, the highest mountain in New York, to raise money for the PFF. The arctic conditions and icy trek took nine hours to complete, but Faatz made it to the mountain top with a renewed sense of joy. “I really had to push myself,” said Faatz. “But this was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” Now, through the PFF Spring Appeal, Faatz is partnering with the PFF to raise $75,000 to help the more than 250,000 Americans living with PF. If you would like to make a gift, please visit bit.ly/sapff2022.