Kimberlee Heidmann's Fundraiser
The Heidmann Family is Running a Turkey Trot to Make a Difference with Team Telomere!
Join me and help make a difference, please give today.
In August 2023, my precious husband, Kurt, was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). What we did not know then was that the cause had been silently hiding in his genetic code.
Despite a family history of pulmonary fibrosis and physical signs that we later learned were associated with Telomere Biology Disorder (TBD), the connection was not recognized. It was only after we reached out to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and connected with an IPF researcher that we learned Kurt had a TBD and TERT gene variant.
By then, his options were heartbreakingly limited. He did not qualify for clinical trials, and he was not strong enough for a bilateral lung transplant. On November 30, 2024, Kurt took his last, labored earthly breath.
I share his story because earlier recognition, greater awareness, and more research matter. There is still so much we need to learn about pulmonary fibrosis associated with TBD and TERT gene variant.
Please join me and Team Telomere in advocating for better education and diagnosis, advancing research, developing effective treatments, and ultimately finding a path toward a cure.
For Kurt, and for every family still searching for answers.