When Rebecca Hall, owner of Insurance Services of Washington, was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis – interstitial lung disease at the age of 37, her world turned upside down. Brought on by an autoimmune condition, the disease causes scarring of lung tissue that makes it increasingly difficult for her to breathe. Rebecca sought help from the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF), which works to accelerate the development of new treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease. Until this goal is achieved, the PFF is committed to advancing care for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Rebecca soon recognized the need for a support group focused on younger women like herself. In partnership with her doctor and the PFF, they created Young and WILD – women with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) – a community designed to help educate and support one another and fight the disease. In addition to running Young and WILD, Rebecca volunteers her time planning the Greater Seattle PFF support group’s annual walk. Her staff at Insurance Services of Washington have been her biggest champions, coming together to participate in and donate to the walk. In 2024, they eclipsed their fundraising goal of $2,500 and collected more than $8,000. Agency employees and family members walked in team t-shirts designed and provided by Insurance Services of Washington.
“Living with pulmonary fibrosis as a young woman and full-time working mom is immensely challenging, but having the support of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, my agency colleagues, family, and friends is invaluable,” says Rebecca. “The PFF provides unparalleled support and education resources for patients like me, as well as caregivers, family members, and health care providers. Together we can bring awareness to the daily struggles patients face and make it possible to manage and ultimately cure this disease.”
Rebecca and Insurance Services of Washington are already planning for the 2025 walk. And she will soon be featured in a PFF video that will inspire hundreds of attendees at the organization’s annual Belts on Broadway event. These efforts, alongside a $10,000 donation, would support PFF on several fronts, including researching new treatments and medicines, and advocating for local and national legislation to make it easier to access supplemental oxygen, which Rebecca and many patients rely on in their daily lives.
By voting for Insurance Services of Washington, you can help them secure a Make More Happen Award to further PFF’s mission and support those impacted by pulmonary fibrosis. Let’s raise awareness and bring hope to Rebecca and patients across the country.