I am Tom Archer, a veteran who is raising money for LAM action. LAM stands for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

LAM is a rare disease that occurs almost exclusively in women –
around 7 women in every million – and is usually diagnosed during childbearing
years.

LAM predominantly affects the lungs, where it causes excessive
growth of smooth muscle cells which progressively destroy lung tissue and erode lung function. LAM is a progressive disease, but the rate at which it progresses varies considerably. Although research is ongoing, currently there is no cure for LAM and little effective treatment. For some women lung transplantation is their only means of survival.

As it is so rare, women who are newly diagnosed are unlikely to
know anything about LAM or have met anyone else with the disease.

LAM Action plays a crucial role in helping to ease the sense of
isolation experienced by women with LAM. 
They also ensure that accurate information about LAM is readily available; provide ongoing support to women with LAM and their families; foster strong links with the medical profession and other LAM organisations around the world; and raise funds for research.