TMA partners with nine other organizations to sponsor ILD Day as a way to raise awareness of interstitial lung disease (ILD). 2025 will mark the fifth annual ILD Day, taking place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Interstitial lung disease is an umbrella term used for a large group of diseases that involve inflammation and/or scarring in the lungs. The inflammation and scarring can injure the lungs, making it difficult to breathe and get oxygen to the bloodstream. Myositis is one of the known causes of ILD. There is no known cure.
More than 50,000 cases of ILD are diagnosed each year in the US. Dermatomyositis and polymyositis are among the conditions that has an increased risk of developing ILD. The frequency of ILD in DM and PM has been reported to range between 20% and 78%.
We encourage those who develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue and weakness, chest discomfort, “clubbing” of the fingertips, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss to speak with their doctor about the possibility of ILD and educate themselves on the symptoms and treatment of ILD.
Support Meredith’s Legacy in Honor of ILD Day
The Meredith C. Thomas Myositis Research Fellowship was created to fund research grants for early-career clinicians focused on Antisynthetase Syndrome and ILD. This new fellowship within TMA’s long-running research grants program is a perfect tribute to Meredith’s passion for learning and community spirit.
Join TMA in observing ILD Day by donating to the fellowship fund.
