Keynotes and Celebrity Advocate Announced for PFF Summit 2025

CHICAGO, Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) today announced the keynote speakers for the PFF Summit 2025, the world's leading conference on pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and interstitial lung disease (ILD), taking place November 13–15 in Chicago.

Keynote speakers include:

• Karen Mancera-Cuevas, DrPH, Senior Director of Health Equity at the National Health Council, who will speak on equitable participation in clinical trials (Nov. 14).
• James Fraser, PhD, Chair of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences at University of California San Francisco, who will share how AI is reshaping drug discovery (Nov. 15).

Adding star power, Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award-winning actress, PFF Advocate and Board Member Julie Halston—creator of Broadway Belts for PFF! and whose late husband, newscaster Ralph Howard, was lost to pulmonary fibrosis —will host the Summit's Dine and Delight Networking Night on Nov. 14.

"Recent years have brought significant advancements in PF and ILD research", said PFF President and CEO Scott Staszak. "The Summit offers patients a special opportunity to learn from top experts and gain support from others navigating these diseases."

More than 250,000 Americans are living with PF and ILD, progressive, life-threatening lung diseases that cause scarring or inflammation in the lungs. The biennial event delves into the latest advancements in care and treatment, with tailored sessions for patients, caregivers, lung transplant recipients, those who have lost a loved one, and healthcare professionals and researchers.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, underscoring its role as a national leader in research, advocacy, and support.

For more information and to register for the PFF Summit, visit pffsummit.org. For media inquiries or to arrange interviews with keynote speakers and members of the PF community, contact Dorothy Coyle, 773-332-6201.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The mission of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for pulmonary fibrosis. Until this goal is achieved, the PFF is committed to advancing improved care of patients with PF and providing unequaled support and education resources for patients, caregivers, family members, and health care providers. The PFF has a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and is an accredited charity by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance. The Foundation has met all of the requirements of the National Health Council Standards of Excellence Certification Program® and has earned the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency. For more information, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733)

Contact: Dorothy Coyle, Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 773-332-6201

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SOURCE The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation