Verona Man Returns to PF Walk After Lifesaving Lung Transplant

Just one year ago, John Bishop of Verona struggled to finish the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s NYC Metro Walk. He relied on supplemental oxygen and didn’t know how much time he had left. This year, on August 2, John will return to the Walk at Liberty State Park stronger than ever, with new lungs and a renewed purpose to help others living with pulmonary fibrosis.

John was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2021, the same disease that claimed the lives of his father, aunt, and uncle. On October 5, 2024, he received a double lung transplant that changed his life. Just two weeks later, he walked his daughter down the aisle.

This will be John’s fourth consecutive Walk. He’ll be with a clan of family and friends as part of Team Bishop, which is aiming to raise $25,000 to support the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s work to find a cure.

Pulmonary fibrosis affects more than 250,000 Americans each year. There is currently no known cure. The PFF is working to change that.

“I’m one of the lucky ones, but too many people are still fighting for their lives,” John said. “We need a cure to give everyone the chance to breathe freely and live fully.”

John walks with gratitude and determination. He walks to give others the same hope he was given.

To learn more or to support the PFF Walk NYC Metro, visit pffwalk.org.