(L to R) Vera, Bernie Williams and Cheryl)
Photo courtesy of the New York Yankees
New York Yankees legend Bernie Williams joined Far Rockaway residents Cheryl and Vera B. for an on-field ceremony at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 5 to help raise awareness for a rare medical condition, interstitial lung disease (ILD). Cheryl has been battling the disease, with her sister Vera acting as her caregiver.
Cheryl was diagnosed in 2013 with Sarcoidosis, a disease which involves cells clumping together, with the potential to attack any organ within the body. It is most common within the lymph nodes and lungs.
“[Vera] has been like a rock. She’s been my support whenever I feel like I need someone to talk to, because she knows more about my illness than anyone,” Cheryl said. “When I need somebody to vent to, she’s there for me. She’s been a great person to be there.”
For Williams, raising awareness for ILD hits close to home. His father was diagnosed with the disease and the younger Williams acted as his caregiver until he passed away from ILD in 2001.
Williams uses his platform to spread awareness of ILD through a program by Boehringer Ingelheim called Tune In To Lung Health. The program’s resources include an educational video series featuring Williams, Cheryl and Vera, with each sharing ILD’s impact on their lives from both the patient and caregiver perspectives. Part of the series was broadcast on the jumbotron to fans at Yankee Stadium, where the three stood united on the field for a cause close to each of their hearts.
According to Cheryl and Vera, it was through their partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim that they started working with Williams’ Tune In To Lung Health. They spoke highly of the work he has been doing to raise awareness for ILD and assist those suffering from it.
ILD is an umbrella term for more than 200 rare and serious conditions that can scar the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. It can cause those suffering from it…
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