Brittany Foster,  —

Brittany Foster lives in Cranston, Rhode Island, and has a passion for teaching, writing, and advocating. She was a special educator for four years before working at BioNews in 2017. She was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at birth, 1991, due to a congenital heart defect. Brittany writes openly about how chronic illness and rare disease impacts her daily life and mental health. She wants people to know that there is still a high quality of life possible for those with medical conditions despite all the inevitable challenges, treatments, and procedures. On good days, you can find Brittany playing street hockey with her nephew or listening to country songs while driving to the beach.

Articles by Brittany Foster

Let’s Talk About Sex and Chronic Illness, Baby

Save the Date: Feb. 11, 2021, at 7 p.m. ET. Join @pulmonaryhypertensionnews on Instagram Live for a live Q&A about sex with chronic illness and PH. The event is called “Sex on PHire – Sex Talk with Britt Foster.” Join Britt Foster and host Ally Macgregor as we discuss…

Learning to Let Go of the Negativity in My Life

As I was watching the timeless movie “Pretty Woman,” I was struck by something Julia Robert’s character, Vivian, said: “People put you down enough you start to believe it. … The bad stuff is easier to believe.” She’s right. Hurtful words have left emotional scars in my mind. It has…

After Each Medical Setback, a Greater Comeback Begins

Whenever I go through an emotionally difficult or physically painful period in my life, I always take time for reflection. After the crying is done, the tantrum is thrown, and I have cursed, yelled, and convinced myself I can’t keep doing it anymore, I pause and allow myself to breathe.

Losing My Risk Means Losing My Choice

I’m no stranger to the “high-risk” label. While living with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension, I hear these words often. In the past few years, the members of my medical team have mentioned my risk while deciding on the best surgical or treatment plan, weighing the pros and…

Reflection Reminds Me That I Can Overcome My Worst Days

“So far, you’ve survived 100% of your worst days.” I have questioned my strength during so many moments in my life — moments that left me feeling tired, defeated, and hopeless. I questioned how much physical and emotional pain I could handle. During these times, my mind and body tested…

My Hidden Struggles With Self-worth

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.” These words are from Kathryn Stockett’s book “The Help.” The maid, Aibileen, repeats this to the little girl, Mae Mobley, to remind her of her worth. As I read this part of the book, I couldn’t help but long for…

Learning to Live Fully Despite Recurring Trauma

Alex Karev, a fictional doctor on the TV series “Grey’s Anatomy,” once said, “Trauma always leaves a scar. … It changes our lives. Trauma messes everybody up, but maybe that’s the point. All the pain and the fear, … maybe going through all of that is what keeps us…

The Complexity of Numbers in Healthcare

“Numbers don’t lie.” Members of my medical team have used this phrase, and I have caught myself saying it lately, too. Doctors say “numbers don’t lie” when congratulating me on improving my pulmonary function test or when my six-minute walk score is better than my previous one. Unfortunately, this…

Chronic Illness Helped Me Justify Keeping Trauma a Secret

Trigger warning: This column discusses sexual assault and rape. If you need assistance, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. I left a procedure last week feeling shaky, unwell, anxious, and upset. The procedure, draining an ovarian cyst, unfortunately was unsuccessful. I found out shortly after waking…

Body Acceptance Looks Different for Me, and That’s OK

When looking through pictures on social media, I see so many body-positive influencers making powerful statements about the “ideal body.” I see women and men on Instagram trying to show others that beauty standards aren’t realistic. Skin folds, bends, and changes shape for countless reasons. The message is that society’s…


A Conversation With Rare Disease Advocates