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Six-minute marathon fitting for man with rare disease By Ali Raza aliraza@yrmg.com Stouffville's Jim Gillies, 69, will walk a "sixminute marathon" on Saturday to raise awareness for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) ­ a disease he's had for the last three years. "IPF has been known for quite a while as an orphan disease, meaning few Canadians have it," Gillies said. "So big pharma just hasn't got to it yet, but statistics show that the death rate from IPF is the same as cervical cancer in women." "I believe, and my doctor believes, there needs to be awareness of the disease, that's basically what I'm trying to do," he added. Pulmonary fibrosis affects an estimated 30,000 Canadians and is responsible for 5,000 deaths each year. Pulmonologists commonly use a six-minute walking test to assess the prevalence of IPF and monitor the progression of the disease. "They get you to walk as fast as you can, up and down a hallway in the hospital, with some electronic gear attached to you so they can read things like oxygen levels and lung capacity," Gillies said. "It's a standard test that baselines every patient, that's why the six-minute walk became part of a marathon." To some people with severe IPF , a six-minute walk is exceedingly difficult to do. This month, Canadians with IPF from coast to coast are participating in various "sixminute marathons" to put IPF in the spotlight and to show they can still live an active life with the rare but fatal lung disease. The disease causes irreversible scarring of the lungs which worsens over time. The scarred lungs make it difficult to receive an See DISEASE, page 41. Providing Exceptional Service To york & Durham Region Since 1988 Ask us about our Spring Specials! 64 Sandiford Drive, Unit#12, Stouffville · 905-642-3217 · www.stouffvillegaragedoors.ca e. 21 | Stouffville Sun-Tribune | Thursday, June 23, 2016 ESTATE BACKING ONTO GOLF COURSE A lavish executive lifestyle awaits in Stouffville's Sleepy Hollow Estates on just under 2 Acres. This stunning Georgian style estate offers amazing views from one of many private terraces. This immaculate home is in a great location 5 minutes from town and within walking distance to Lincolnville GO Station, and features a 6 car garage and a workshop. A spacious 7,302 finished square feet of living space with 4+1 bedrooms and 4½ bathrooms offers ample room for your growing family. Impressive showpiece with no detail spared! Buy one Red Tek product & get the second one $2,195,000 FREE! First Contact Realty The Faris Team, Brokerage I N D E P E N D E N T LY O W N E D A N D O P E R AT E D 705.241.9009 FarisTeam.ca BRING THIS AD TO THE BIG TOP BOX OFFICE Starting at 12.99 *redtek R12a 6oz* Castrol GTX motor oil 5L Jugs Premium Coated Brake Discs 2 Year Warranty Protective coating against rust and corrosion MEDIA PARTNER: $18.95 905.471.4447 7205 Markham Rd. Unit 5 Markham, ON. BUY 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1 *5w30 & 5w20 only Buy 1 get 1 FREE 905.294.5773 15 Heritage Rd. Unit 14 Markham, ON. 416.285.4447 2300 Lawrence Ave. E. Unit 30 Scarborough, ON M1P 2R2 Get $20 off when you spend $100 dollars or more on regular priced items. *does not include tires or special orders UNDER THE BIG TOP OEM and aftermarket automotive parts at discount prices! MARKHAM· June30-July3 MaRKhaM FaIRGROUnDs, 10801 McCowan Rd all new SHOw *Acts subject to change. SPECTACULAR MOMENTS ARE JUST A CLICK AWAY... BUY 2 FOR THE PRICE OF 1 DISCOUNT TICKETS WITH PROMO CODE: METROLAND OR AT: Happy News, Unit K5, First Markham Place Food Court (Cash Only) NOTICE - DUE TO FACTORS BEYOND THE CONTROL OF THE CIRCUS, ITS PRODUCER, PRESENTER AND SALES AGENTS; PERFORmERS AND ACTS IN THE SHOW mAY DIFFER FROm THOSE PORTRAYED OR REPRESENTED AND THEREFORE WE ASSUmE NO LIABILITY FOR SUCH CHANGES.* www.shrine-circus.com