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

Join Olympian Aaron Brown as he raises awareness of this fatal lung condition

WINNIPEG, Oct. 24, 2017 /CNW/ - One of Canada's fastest sprinters, Aaron Brown, will make his mark this Sunday, October 29 at the MEC Winnipeg Race FIVE by taking a walk – a six-minute walk, to be precise. The athlete will walk alongside those living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) to raise awareness of this rare, but fatal lung condition.¹

Video: Six-Minute Marathons: Canadian men’s relay team help #FightIPF

Winnipeg is the final city to receive the baton from Andre De Grasse and the Canadian men's relay team as part of a series of 'Six-Minute Marathons' that took 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 sprinter and Olympic medalist Aaron Brown wants Canadians to know that having a strong support system, or "team" of their own, can make all the difference in managing this condition. He is 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 a runner, I understand the importance of every breath, and the positive impact having a team behind you has on morale and your ability to thrive," Brown said, "My teammates and I 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," Brown said. "We're passing the baton to Canadians; join us as we bring the 'Six-Minute Marathon' to Winnipeg."

WHAT:	IPF awareness – interview/photo opportunity. This is not a fundraising event; Aaron Brown is a participant in the MEC Winnipeg Road Race FIVE, doing his own 'Six-Minute Marathon' with people living with IPF.
WHEN:	Sunday, October 29, 2017 at 8:00 a.m.
WHO:	Aaron Brown, Canadian sprinter, Olympic and World Championship medalist 4x100 People living with IPF
WHERE:	Assiniboine Park Conservatory Parking Lot 55 Pavillion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6

About Aaron Brown

Aaron Brown is a Canadian sprinter and Olympic and World Championship medalist 4x100. Focused on the 100 metres and 200 metres, he is the fourth sprinter in Canadian history to run the 100 metres in under 10 seconds. The rising star is very conscious of how proper use of breath and the support of his team have helped him overcome career challenges. Aaron is particularly excited to bring what he's learned from these experiences to his participation in Canadian IPF awareness initiative.

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

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

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact: Hibaq Ali, 416-455-8326, [email protected]