Media Advisory/Photo Opportunity - Canadian Men's Relay Team Members Pass the Baton to Calgary to Fight IPF

Join Akeem Haynes and Brendon Rodney as they raise awareness of this fatal lung condition

CALGARY, Oct. 5, 2017 /CNW/ - Two of Canada's fastest sprinters, Akeem Haynes and Brendon Rodney will make their mark next Saturday, October 14 at MEC Calgary Road Race SEVEN by taking a walk ? a six-minute walk, to be precise. The athletes will walk alongside those living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) to raise awareness of this rare, but fatal lung condition.¹

Calgary is the first to receive the baton from Andre De Grasse and the Canadian men's relay team as part of a series of 'Six-Minute Marathons' taking place this fall. Each year up to 30,000 Canadians may be affected by IPF, and the condition is responsible for an estimated 5,000 deaths.² IPF causes irreversible and worsening scarring of the lungs that deprives the body of oxygen,³ eventually making everyday tasks impossible. For people living with IPF, even a short walk can feel like a marathon, and respirologists sometimes use a six-minute walking test to help assess IPF and monitor how the condition is progressing over time.^4,5  

By walking alongside people living with IPF in 'Six-Minute Marathons', Canadian sprinters and Olympic medalists Akeem Haynes and Brendon Rodney want Canadians to know that having a strong support system, or "team" of their own, can make all the difference in managing this condition. They are encouraging those living with IPF to rely on family, friends and healthcare professionals to help them stay active and learn more about the condition, so they can make informed decisions that help them live as actively as possible.

"As runners, we understand the importance of every breath, and the positive impact having a team behind you has on morale and your ability to thrive," said Haynes, "That's why we have immense admiration for the way people living with IPF face challenges with such strength and determination, and the family, friends and healthcare professionals who help them live life to the fullest."

"We hope the Fight IPF Six-Minute Marathons initiative can shine a light on this devastating condition, and help bring home the importance of education in ensuring people living with IPF have informed discussions with their doctor on how to take action against the condition, today," said Rodney. "We're passing the baton to Canadians; join us as we walk in 'Six-Minute Marathons' across the country."

PARTICIPATING ATHLETES

Akeem Haynes is a Canadian sprinter, Olympic medalist and member of the world championship relay team 4x100. In addition to being one of this country's most talented athletes, he has authored two books, is a public speaker and will soon launch his own podcast. The multi-talented Haynes understands the importance not only of breath in his career successes, but also the difference the support of a team can make in achieving one's goals. For these reasons, Akeem is looking forward to contributing to this IPF awareness initiative across the country.

Brendon Rodney is a Canadian sprinter and Olympic and World Championship medalist 4x100. He has competed for Canada on numerous occasions, and is only the second Canadian man to run the 200 metres in under 20 seconds. As one of Canada's most exciting young athletes, Rodney is acutely aware of how important breath is to his continued success. Brendon is motivated to help pass that knowledge on, and to help people living with IPF understand the important role a team of friends, family and caregivers can play in managing their condition.      

About IPF
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) affects up to 30,000 Canadians and is responsible for 5,000 deaths each year.⁶  Every year, 6,000 people are diagnosed with IPF and this number is expected to increase as the population ages.⁷ Typical symptoms include: shortness of breath; a dry, hacking cough; loss of appetite; rapid weight loss; extreme tiredness and loss of energy.⁸

For more information about IPF, visit FightIPF.ca, an online resource designed to inform and empower Canadians diagnosed with IPF and their family members.

References

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¹ Costabel, Ulrich. The changing treatment landscape in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. European Respiratory Review. 2015;24:65-68.
² Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Information Guide. What is Pulmonary Fibrosis? May 9, 2017. Available at: http://cpff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IPF_Guide_2012_Final_V1.1_2015MAY01.pdf
³ Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Information Guide. What is Pulmonary Fibrosis? May 9, 2017. Available at: http://cpff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IPF_Guide_2012_Final_V1.1_2015MAY01.pdf
⁴ Du Bois, Roland M, et al. 6-minute walk distance is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. European Respiratory Journal. 2014;43:1421-1429.
⁵ Du Bois, Roland M, et al. Six-minute-walk test in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. 2011; 183:1231-1237.
⁶ Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Information Guide. What is Pulmonary Fibrosis? May 9, 2017. Available at: http://cpff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IPF_Guide_2012_Final_V1.1_2015MAY01.pdf
⁷ Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Information Guide. How Many People Have It? Accessed May 9, 2017. Available at: http://cpff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IPF_Guide_2012_Final_V1.1_2015MAY01.pdf.   
⁸ Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Information Guide. What is Pulmonary Fibrosis? May 9, 2017. Available at: http://cpff.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/IPF_Guide_2012_Final_V1.1_2015MAY01.pdf

SOURCE Roche Canada