Honoring Strength and Resilience: ARDS Survivors Week 2025

Each year, we come together for ARDS Survivors Week—a time to honor and recognize those who have battled Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and made it through the toughest fight of their lives. It is also a time to celebrate the unwavering love and support of families, friends, and caregivers who have been there every step of the way.

Surviving ARDS: A Lifelong Journey

Surviving ARDS is not the end of the journey—it’s the beginning of a new one. The effects of ARDS do not disappear once a patient leaves the hospital. Recovery can take months, even years, and can bring with it lasting challenges—physical, emotional, and psychological. Many survivors face **lung scarring, fatigue, cognitive issues, anxiety, and PTSD** long after their discharge. The struggle is real, but so is the strength and resilience of those who have faced it head-on.

That’s why we dedicate this week to recognizing ARDS survivors and their families, sharing their incredible stories, and bringing awareness to the ongoing challenges they face.

A Special Tribute: Rick Bressler’s Journey

This week, we especially want to acknowledge the courage of Rick Bressler, an ARDS survivor who is currently facing a tremendous challenge—recovering from his second lung transplant. His journey has not been easy, but his determination and the support of his family and community keep him moving forward. Rick’s story is just one of many that remind us of the difficulties ARDS survivors endure every day.

Stories of Survival: Read and Share

One of the most powerful ways to understand the impact of ARDS is by hearing from those who have lived through it. Throughout ARDS Survivors Week, we will be sharing firsthand accounts from survivors and their families These stories offer a glimpse into the physical and emotional toll ARDS takes, but they also showcase the incredible resilience of those who fight through it.

We invite you to explore these survivor stories and, if you or a loved one has been affected by ARDS, to share your own. Your story matters—not only to those who have experienced ARDS firsthand but also to families currently navigating the uncertainty of a diagnosis.

How You Can Help

ARDS Survivors Week is about more than just recognition—it’s about action. Here are a few ways you can help support ARDS survivors and their families:

1. Share the Stories
   Awareness is key to making a difference. Help us spread the word by sharing survivor stories on **social media, through email, or in conversations** with your community. The more people know about ARDS, the better we can advocate for research, support, and resources.
2. Offer Your Support
   If you or someone you know has been affected by ARDS, we encourage you to reach out. You can email Paula Blonski, President of the ARDS Alliance, to share your experiences, ask questions, or connect with others who have gone through similar journeys.
3. Donate to Help ARDS Families
   Medical expenses, rehabilitation, and long-term care create financial burdens for many ARDS survivors and their families. The ARDS Alliance offers grants to help provide much-needed financial assistance to families affected by ARDS. Donations help us continue these efforts and expand support for those in need. If you would like to contribute, please visit our donation page. Every dollar makes a difference in the lives of ARDS survivors and their families.

We Stand Together

ARDS Survivors Week is a reminder that no one fights alone Whether you are an ARDS survivor, a family member, a caregiver, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, you are part of this community.

Take a moment today to honor those who have faced ARDS, to remember those we have lost, and to commit to supporting the continued fight for awareness, research, and care.

Together, we can make a lasting impact.

Thank you for being a part of ARDS Survivors Week 2025.

We encourage you to browse the ARDS Alliance website to learn more, read survivor stories, or get involved today.