09/01/2026
September is Pulmonary Fibrosis Awareness Month. 💙
This month holds an especially personal meaning for me.
In July, I lost my grandfather, Frank Spataro, after his battle with pulmonary fibrosis related to his exposure following September 11, 2001. My grandpa spent many years working on Wall Street and was in New York City on 9/11, where he witnessed the attacks firsthand.
That day, while so many people were trying to get to safety, he did what came naturally to him and helped others. One story our family will always carry with us is how he helped a pregnant woman he did not know get out of the subway and to safety, carrying her when she needed help and getting her to a limousine so she could leave the city.
He continued working in New York following 9/11 because providing for his family was always one of the most important things to him, despite the conditions and air quality in the city at the time.
My grandpa was fortunate enough to live 88 incredible years, and I will forever be grateful for every one of them. Pulmonary fibrosis can progress quickly, and there are so many people and families whose lives have been completely changed by this disease.
That is why, throughout the month of September, Sashay by Sophia will be donating 5% of merchandise sales to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in memory of Frank Spataro.
While my grandpa is the reason this cause means so much to me, this month is about so much more than one person.
It is for everyone currently fighting pulmonary fibrosis.
For the families and caregivers standing beside them.
For those who have lost someone they love.
And for the research, awareness and hope that one day leads us to a cure.
Thank you for allowing this little business of mine to give back to a cause that will forever have such a special place in my heart. 💙
Here’s to more awareness, more research, more time, and one day, a cure.
