30 Days of PH : Military Wife And Mom

Written by Jen Cueva |

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Day 14 of 30 Days of PH ⠀ Topic: Military wife and mom ⠀ ⠀ This is Dawn's story ⠀ ⠀ Life as a military wife is kind of chaotic. However, add in kids, then, on top of that, let’s throw in Pulmonary Hypertension. Chaotic sometimes doesn’t begin to explain it! However, I wouldn’t change a thing if I could. ⠀ ⠀ In the past 7 years, we’ve been through 3 deployments of 7+ months each, getting ready to do the 4th, and we lost count on underways (he’s gone but it isn’t an actual deployment for that). ⠀ ⠀ We’ve been through 15+ hospital stays for me. One graduating high school, one starting pre, who’s got the kids, who are picking hubby up at the base, is the ship coming in or going out, medical appointments, prescription changes… the list goes on and on. However, we always face each and every “event” with a “WE GOT THIS” attitude. ⠀ ⠀ Most people say, “your family helps though, right?”. The closest family members we have are 700 miles away. If we feel it’s definitely a “we need help” case, my mother-in-law always drops everything and comes out to help. There are many times, I know we couldn’t do this without her. However, when we don’t feel it’s to that point, our “Navy family” always jumps into action and pulls us through whenever we need a hand. ⠀ ⠀ I have been fighting Pulmonary Hypertension for over 21 years now. I’ve had many ups and downs. However, each and every time I look at my family, it gives me that ”want to”, that keeps me going. I couldn’t imagine giving up and leaving my family. I pray that God keeps me going and allows me to see my children grow up and have the same crazy, chaotic lives we have had. I know that without him, I would not still be here to see all of their achievements so far in life. ⠀ ⠀ As crazy and chaotic as the PH warrior/ wife/mom/military wife life is, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I cherish each and every day!⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #30daysofPH #Militarywife

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Jen Cueva avatar Jen Cueva

About the Author

Jen Cueva lives in sunny San Diego, California, with her husband and daughter. A former nurse, her life took an unexpected turn in 2005 when she was diagnosed with group 1 pulmonary hypertension (PH). That experience reshaped her purpose, transforming her journey into one of advocacy, connection, and hope. As Manager of Partnership Relations on the Bionews Advocacy team, Jen collaborates with rare disease communities to build bridges and strengthen support systems for patients and caregivers. She also serves as a forum moderator for *Pulmonary Hypertension News*, where she writes a biweekly column exploring the emotional landscape of living with PH, from resilience and gratitude to the quiet power of community. Whether she’s sharing stories that uplift or offering words that remind others they’re not alone, Jen finds meaning in helping people feel informed, empowered, and seen. When she’s not writing or advocating, you’ll likely find her at the beach, on a coffee date, or simply enjoying the laid-back San Diego sunshine. Together, we PHight stronger.

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30DaysofPH awareness


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