Boehringer Ingelheim and Minor League Baseball Team Up to Raise Awareness of Rare Lung Disease – IPF

The partnership will include 75 "Breathless Blowout" game days at 15 MiLB ballparks throughout the country this season. To raise awareness of breathlessness, the telltale symptom of IPF, fans will be provided gum and encouraged to blow bubble gum bubbles during the games. Educational information throughout the stadium will encourage those who may be suffering with IPF to seek early diagnosis and treatment.

"Teaming up with Boehringer Ingelheim and Minor League Baseball is a unique opportunity to reach a wider audience for a cause that is so close to my heart – raising IPF awareness," said Bernie Williams. "This partnership will truly come to life with the help of MiLB and its fan base, and we are looking forward to making a difference for those affected by IPF."

Williams will appear at several "Breathless Blowout" game days to share his story and message of hope with fans and participate in other in-stadium activities like throwing out the first pitch or performing "Take Me Out to The Ball Game" on guitar. During the July 11 Eastern League All-Star Game in Trenton, NJ, Williams will rally fans in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record™ for bubble gum bubbles blown at once.

Al Masucci, vice president, IPF Business Unit, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. added, "Through our partnership with Minor League Baseball, we aim to take disease recognition to new heights nationally and do our part in increasing the chances of an early and accurate IPF diagnosis for those who may be living with this complicated disease that is all-too-often confused with other more common respiratory illnesses."

David Wright, chief marketing and commercial officer for Minor League Baseball, said, "With the help of baseball great Bernie Williams, we eagerly join and support this great cause and look to play an important role in raising awareness about this serious lung disease among Minor League Baseball fans."

New York Yankees legend and musician Bernie Williams

For more information about IPF and the Breathless campaign visit www.BreathlessIPF.com and help raise awareness by sharing videos and educational content through social media.

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About idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)
IPF is a rare and serious lung disease that causes permanent scarring of the lungs, and makes it difficult to breathe. Symptoms of IPF include breathlessness during activity, a dry and persistent cough, chest discomfort, fatigue and weakness. Although considered "rare," IPF affects up to 132,000 Americans, and about 50,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every year with IPF – enough to fill some baseball stadiums. There are IPF treatments available, including supplemental oxygen, cough management and pulmonary rehabilitation, which can include special exercises or breathing strategies. In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first drugs specifically indicated for the treatment of IPF.

About Minor League Baseball  
Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball^® clubs through their farm systems. Fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-a-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. In 2017, Minor League Baseball attracted 41.8 million fans to its ballparks to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. For more information visit MiLB.com.

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Contact: 
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 
Name: Paul Wynn 
Public Relations 
Phone: 203-798-4887 
Email: paul.wynn@boehringer-ingelheim.com