“Scleroderma and interstitial lung disease (ILD) changed nearly every part of her life,” says Ross W. of his wife Lisa’s diagnosis in 2014. “ILD is often an invisible disease until it becomes severe—someone may look fine on the outside while struggling with every breath.”
With ILD Day approaching, we’re spotlighting people living with scleroderma and ILD, and the families who stand beside them. ILD is a serious complication of scleroderma that causes scarring in the lungs and makes breathing increasingly difficult.
“Lisa’s journey was long and frustrating,” Ross explains. “What started as symptoms that didn’t seem connected gradually became impossible to ignore. She experienced worsening fatigue, joint pain, and breathing difficulties.”
“She then went through countless appointments before finally receiving a diagnosis of diffuse scleroderma with interstitial lung disease,” he says. “When she finally learned what she was facing, it was overwhelming.”
“The disease affected her lungs, digestive system, and overall strength,” Ross describes. “There were days she needed high levels of oxygen and had very little energy. Most recently, her journey led to a double lung transplant. Even through the challenges of recovery, she continues to prove how strong she is, taking one step at a time.”
“Watching someone you love struggle is incredibly difficult,” he says. “Lisa has taught me more about strength, perseverance, and courage than anyone I’ve ever known.”
“We wish more people knew how important early diagnosis and research are,” says Ross. “Supporting research means earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and a future where fewer families endure what so many patients face today.”
Thank you, Ross and Lisa, for being so open with their family’s story and for helping raise awareness around SSc-ILD.
Want to learn more about ILD? Join Dr. Toby Maher (Professor of Clinical Medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California and CONQUEST Co-Principal Investigator) for a FREE in-depth webinar on September 15 at 9AM PST/12PM EST.
