Meet Bill Van Nierop: Our Incredible Supporter Kayaking the Murrumbidgee River
Lung Disease

Meet Bill Van Nierop: Our Incredible Supporter Kayaking the Murrumbidgee River

Bill Van Nierop, 70, is about to embark on a mental and physical challenge kayaking about 1200 kilometres of one of the country’s longest rivers, the Murrumbidgee River. His journey kicks off on August 28, and he’s raising funds for a cause that’s incredibly important to him.

In 2015, Bill was diagnosed with the progressive and incurable lung disease, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Since his diagnosis, Bill has been on a mission to spread awareness of lung disease and raise funds for research that improves outcomes for those impacted by lung disease and lung transplantation. Bill has raised $210,000 for The Lung Foundation since 2016, which went on to fund a 3-year PhD scholarship.

These funds were raised through peer-to-peer fundraising plus corporate support and were generated from three significant physical challenges, all while operating with just 50% lung function. These consisted of the City to Surf (2016), Long Walk for Lungs (2017) and the Long Kayak for Lungs 1 (2018).

Bill Partners with The Common Good in 2023

Bill received a double lung transplant in 2021 at The Prince Charles Hospital. This year, he has partnered with The Common Good and hopes to raise $50,000 for further research into IPF and lung transplants.

In addition to raising significant funds to progress research into the incurable condition of IPF, Bill also provides philanthropic support to further the awareness and community understanding of lung diseases.

Through advocacy, peer-to-peer patient support and speaking engagements, Bill is helping to change community attitudes towards this insidious disease group and remove the hurtful and harmful stigma often linked to those with a lung disease.

Most recently, Bill delivered a keynote address to a cohort of 100+ researchers to highlight the voice of the patient. He also addressed over 90+ community members through a Probus Club keynote address highlighting the prevalence of lung disease and advocating for further research into health areas that are niche and often overshadowed by more widespread and publicly recognised conditions.

About 1,250 people diagnosed with IPF each year

 There are approximately 1,250 people diagnosed with IPF each year, a relatively small number compared to more well-known and publicly recognised lung diseases such as lung cancer.

Bill’s vision has been not to let these IPF patients slip through the cracks.

IPF will eventually lead to respiratory failure and death, with the median survival reported to range from two to five years. These likely outcomes are a harsh and scary reality for many to face.

Bill has described lung disease as a lonely place, with many assumptions and deep stigmas attached. From comments of ‘not looking sick enough’ to ‘you must have been a smoker’, awareness and education are key to progressing social outcomes, research outcomes, and ultimately better outcomes for people impacted.

Bill provides a safe, empathetic and understanding ear to patients who have been diagnosed with a lung disease. Through Bill’s own personal lived experience, he is able to provide emotional support along with practical advice and knowledge.

Bill displays leadership and drives an agenda for increased advocacy

With low awareness rates of IPF, therefore often leading to lower levels of support, Bill displays leadership and drives an agenda for increased advocacy, research and funding for IPF by highlighting the critical need for support.

From community to corporates, Bill boldly shares his views which come from his lived experience with this condition. It is through this leadership that he can involve others in his philanthropic activities through financial support, advocacy, and awareness.

The impact of Bill’s support for the Queensland community is profound and extends far beyond financial support alone. The support and hope that Bill provides for others within the community who are battling a debilitating and incurable lung disease cannot be understated.

To learn more about the Long Kayak for Lungs 2, visit the website. Alternatively, you can show your support to those impacted by lung disease by donating here or can follow Bill’s updates on social media here.

Published: July 27, 2023

Related news & events

What is a Giving Day?

The Common Good

What is a Giving Day?

What is a Giving Day? Giving days are becoming an increasingly popular way to fundraise. We explain what they are and the benefits.

Find out more

Grandfriends Ageless Play Program in Brisbane Expands

Aging

Grandfriends Ageless Play Program in Brisbane Expands

Grandfriends ageless play program in Brisbane expands thanks to support generated at The Common Good's 2022 Giving Day.

Find out more

Dementia Action Week 2023: ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’

Aging

Dementia Action Week 2023: ‘Act Now for a Dementia-Friendly Future’

Dementia Action Week 2023 runs from the 18th to the 24th of September: Dementia Australia is encouraging people to ‘act now for a dementia-friendly future’.

Find out more

Healing Ceilings Installed at Brisbane’s The Prince Charles Hospital

Hospital Care

Healing Ceilings Installed at Brisbane’s The Prince Charles Hospital

Some of the sickest patients in The Prince Charles Hospital’s thoracic ward can now look up and let their minds wander into nature, following the installation of Healing Ceilings.

Find out more

Include a Charity Week 2023: The Impact of Leaving a Gift in Will

The Common Good

Include a Charity Week 2023: The Impact of Leaving a Gift in Will

Have you heard of Include a Charity Week? Click here to read about the social change campaign and how you can have a lasting impact.

Find out more

What is Lung Disease?

Lung Disease

What is Lung Disease?

In this blog, we explain what lung disease is, discuss different types of lung disease and shed some light on common misconceptions.

Find out more

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales Records Tumble in 2023

The Common Good

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales Records Tumble in 2023

Ekka Strawberry Sundae Sales 2023: Sunny skies, soaring temps and support from showgoers all combined to create record-breaking sales.

Find out more

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): What is it?

Lung Disease

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF): What is it?

Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is “a disease that afflicts many people at random.” Learn more about it in this blog.

Find out more

Bill Van Nierop: Life After Transplant

Lung Disease

Bill Van Nierop: Life After Transplant

Bill Van Nierop is incredibly grateful for the life-saving transplant he received. In this blog, we share more about Bill’s life and challenges he’s experienced after transplant.

Find out more