Posts by: Colleen Steele

Colleen Steele

October 14, 2019October 10, 2019

Make-A-Wish Foundation Provides Joy to Children, Families, and Volunteers

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

In last week’s column, I shared how the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted my son Cullen’s prodigious wish to meet President George W. Bush in 2008. To be on the receiving end ... Read more

October 7, 2019October 4, 2019

My Son Dreamed Big, and Make-A-Wish Made it Happen

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

In 2008, my 8-year-old son was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Being told that Cullen had an incurable, life-threatening illness was traumatic. It was impossible to imagine that there ... Read more

September 30, 2019September 26, 2019

How to Keep PH From Ruining Halloween Fun

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

My inner child awakens every fall. As the foliage starts to change into its glorious colors, I go to work decorating my home. And while sipping pumpkin spice latte, ... Read more

September 23, 2019September 25, 2019

Tips on Organizing PH Supplies at Home

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

Change is inevitable when you or a loved one is diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). There will be physical, emotional, and social adjustments. And one day you will notice ... Read more

September 16, 2019September 18, 2019

My Son’s Friendship Was Not Defined by PH

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

My son Cullen was excited to tell me he’d made a friend on his first day of kindergarten. Fifteen years later, he and Keenan remain best friends. Cullen’s battle ... Read more

September 9, 2019September 11, 2019

The Therapeutic Benefits of Owning a Pet

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

My son was 8 years old when he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Children are supposed to be nurtured, but the attention showered on a child living with ... Read more

August 26, 2019August 27, 2019

How to Advocate for Your PH Child’s Education

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has a ripple effect on family life. A diagnosis is like a pebble tossed into water, its weight disrupting the calm with waves of change. My ... Read more

August 19, 2019August 15, 2019

Celebrating 5 Years of Living After Heart and Double-Lung Transplant

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

My son is celebrating a big transplant anniversary! Five years ago, on Aug. 7, 2014, he received a heart and double-lung transplant. This very rare surgery was completed within ... Read more

August 12, 2019August 12, 2019

The ‘Healthy’ Sibling’s Struggles with PH

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

The siblings of medically frail children grow up fast because they witness harsh realities at an early age. They experience emergencies, hospital stays, medical equipment, and scary treatments, and ... Read more

August 5, 2019August 7, 2019

How PH Changed Me, from Being More Compassionate to Managing PTSD

Columns, Life As A Caregiver - a Column By Colleen Steele

When my son was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I noticed a change in how people interacted with me. They hesitated before sharing personal problems, and if they did ... Read more

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