CPF Airs James Marsden Interview On CMT's Insider Show 5/2

The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) is pleased to announce the airing of an interview with actor James Marsden on Country Music Television (CMT)'s CMT Insider show on Saturday, May 2 at 1:30 EDT/PDT and 12:30 p.m. CDT. The interview was taped at the recent "A Night of Burnin' Love" CPF fundraising event hosted by the family of the late Dennis Linde in Nashville at the Musician's Hall of Fame.

Dennis Linde, the hugely successful songwriter who wrote "Burnin' Love," a song recorded by Elvis, along with numerous other major musical hits, died from pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in 2006. Marsden was Dennis Linde's son-in-law and is married to Linde's daughter, actress and soap-opera star Lisa Linde.

The interview with Marsden, who starred in movies such as 27 Dresses, Enchanted, The Notebook and X-Men, focuses on his Hollywood career and also shares details of his connection to country music through Mr. Linde and his wife, Lisa. CMT recorded Marsden's performances of Linde songs, "The Love She Found in Me", originally recorded by country and Broadway artist Gary Morris and "Callin' Baton Rouge" recorded by Garth Brooks. During the CPF event, CMT interviewed Marsden about his family's tragic experience with PF along with his concerns that his wife and his children could be at risk for the deadly lung disease.

"I am behind CPF in any way possible. My father-in-law was diagnosed with PF and it took his life a few weeks later. This absolutely shattered our family. And even more so when we found out he had the disease for years without anyone knowing. It was then I realized that anything I can do to help create awareness, help further advancement in searching for a cure, and help educate people about this commonly misdiagnosed disease, I will do it," said actor James Marsden. "And that to me was working with the CPF because this is what they do."

"We are deeply honored to have James' and his family's support in spite of the loss of someone so very close to them. Their heartfelt dedication to this cause is raising the level of awareness of PF and making an impact on our efforts to find a cure," said Mishka Michon, Chief Executive Officer of the CPF.

"A Night of Burnin' Love" and the Linde family raised more than $40,000 for the CPF at the fundraising event.

To learn more about CMT Insider, visit http://www.cmt.com/shows/dyn/cmt_insider/series.jhtml. For information on PF or to make a contribution to the CPF, please visit the CPF Web site at www.coalitionforpf.org.

PF is a lung disorder characterized by a progressive scarring -- known as fibrosis -- and deterioration of the lungs, which slowly robs its victims of their ability to breathe. Approximately 128,000 Americans suffer from PF, and there is currently no known cause or cure. An estimated 48,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. PF is difficult to diagnose and an estimated two-thirds of patients die within five years of diagnosis.

The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in 2001 to accelerate research efforts leading to a cure for pulmonary fibrosis (PF), while educating, supporting, and advocating for the community of patients, families, and medical professionals fighting this disease. The CPF funds promising research into new approaches to treat and cure pulmonary fibrosis; provides patients and families with comprehensive education materials, resources, and hope; serves as a voice for national advocacy of PF issues; and works to improve awareness of PF in the medical community as well as the general public. The CPF's nonprofit partners include many of the most respected medical centers and healthcare organizations in the U.S. With more than 17,000 members nationwide, the CPF is the largest nonprofit organization in the U.S. dedicated to advocating for those with pulmonary fibrosis. For more information please visit www.coalitionforpf.org or call (888) 222-8541.