Serena Lawrence,  —

Serena Lawrence graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2012, earning an honors degree in fine arts. After she was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2013 she started the blog called The PHight or Flight Project where she began freelance writing and curating guest writer content. Serena enjoyed a good cup of tea, little adventures, and her Boston terrier named Sammy. In her "Life With PH" column, Serena explored the challenges she faced in living with the disease, and sought to connect with other PH patients to gain insights into how to support the ongoing effort to better treat and eventually cure pulmonary hypertension. She also served as the head of columns for BioNews, the publisher of this website. Serena passed away in September 2018. She continues to be deeply missed by the BioNews team.

Articles by Serena Lawrence

PH Profiles: Miriam

November is Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Awareness Month. In honor of PH Awareness Month, I will be sharing patient profiles about special members from the PH community. Please be sure to visit throughout the month of November to read more PH profiles.  Miriam Katherine is a…

PH Profiles: Carolyn Marthur

November is Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Awareness Month. In honor of PH Awareness Month, I will be sharing patient profiles about special members from the PH community. Please be sure to visit throughout the month of November to read more PH profiles.  Carolyn…

An Interview with Charity Tillemann-Dick, Part 2

Editor’s note: Charity Tillemann-Dick, soprano, former PHA spokeswoman, and two-time double-lung transplant recipient, reflects on her upcoming book, the writing process, and looking forward. This Q&A is a continuation of her interview ahead of the release of her book, “The Encore: A Memoir…

Interview with Charity Tillemann-Dick, Part 1

Charity Tillemann-Dick is a soprano and the recipient of two double lung transplants. Told she might never sing again, Charity instead became a top-selling classical recording artist who has performed across the United States, Europe and Asia. She also served as…

Finding Relief After Pre-Appointment Anxiety

Last week, I had a follow-up with my pulmonary hypertension specialist. I find it hard to mentally prepare for these appointments. In the days and weeks leading up to my appointment, I start to panic, worrying about whether I seem more short of breath or if…

Finding Reasons to Be Happy

It became difficult to envision many milestones in my life after I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Getting married, having a career, moving out, and having children all felt just out of my reach. Truthfully, I can still feel those things at the tips of my…


A Conversation With Rare Disease Advocates