Kayla Selsing, native to Oliver, is one of five recipients of the 2012 InterMune IPF Legacy  Program, a scholarship awarded to family members of individuals living with idiopathic-pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) who are carrying on a loved ones legacy.

IPF is a rare, progressive and life-limiting lung disease that can have a large financial effect on the family, which can carry over to students pursuing higher education. The scholarship aims to assist individuals living with IPF and their families to minimize financial strain and reach their goals.

Kayla’s grandfather, Robert Hendrie, lives with IPF and has made significant social contributions in his lifetime. For 16 years, he has volunteered with Scouts Canada, his local church and despite his illness, now works with senior citizens.

Inspired by her grandfather’s commitment to volunteering, Kayla considers giving back to her community extremely valuable and important. She balances her studies in the elementary education program at the University of Calgary with volunteer engagements whenever she can.

For the past 10 years, she has volunteered for the Oliver and Osoyoos Half Iron Triathlon events, for her church soup kitchen during the holiday season, her local elementary school and at the Calgary Homeless Shelter.

“Seeing the positive effects that volunteering has on the community and on my grandfather has encouraged me to continue his legacy of volunteering,” shares Selsing. “Even after being diagnosed with IPF, my grandfather maintains a kind spirit and willingness to volunteer. With the help of the IPF scholarship, I can focus on what matters most to me – helping others and my education.”

The IPF Legacy Scholarship Program is supported by InterMune Canada, Inc. in partnership with the Canadian Lung Association and the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

More information about the IPF Legacy Scholarship can be found through the Canadian Lung Association at www.lung.ca and the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.cpff.ca