Melissa Wheeler

An avid sportswoman, I loved competing in athletic fundraising events and half Ironman triathlons. When I began training for my first full 140.6-mile Ironman, I developed a persistent cough and fatigue. After a lung biopsy confirmed I had idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, I decided to take a proactive approach to the disease and get evaluated for a lung transplant. Determined not to let IPF define me, I continued to stay active and compete as long as I could. Today, I am dedicated to raising awareness about pulmonary fibrosis as a PFF Ambassador.