Anna is an artist and writer based in Minnesota. Diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at the age of 4, she fought for 19 years before receiving a lifesaving heart-lung transplant in 2018. Despite complications following transplant, she was discharged back home eight months later. Anna now manages life with a tracheostomy and relies on supplemental oxygen, but her life remains full of hope and wonder, which she strives to share through her writing. In addition to her role as a columnist for Pulmonary Hypertension News, Anna works as a photo editor, a photographer, and also runs her own art business.While talking with some friends recently, we ended up discussing our college majors. My mom had encouraged me to study literature, writing, or something similar, but after a lifetime of being closely tied to the healthcare system with my pulmonary hypertension, I was determined to pursue a career in…
When I got my driver’s license at 16, my parents mentioned that I might benefit from handicapped parking, given my pulmonary hypertension (PH). But despite my poor tolerance for walking distances at the time, I didn’t even entertain the subject. A parking permit — a blue tag that…
As an avid reader who lives with a chronic illness, I’ve always looked for stories to which I could relate. When I was a teenager, I read “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green, which followed the life of a 16-year-old girl with terminal cancer. It was…
In my early 20s, I had the opportunity to participate in an interactive photo shoot. The photographer asked her subjects questions about our lives and then captured our emotional responses. There was much laughter and thoughtfulness among our group. During my portion of the session, the photographer asked, “Where do…
One of the hardest things for me to talk about is the loneliness of chronic illness. The topic can quickly become uncomfortable for me and the person I’m speaking with. Still, it’s been a near constant in my life with pulmonary hypertension (PH), and ignoring it often only amplifies…
Leading up to my heart and lung transplant in 2018, a friend asked if there were any specific activities I was looking forward to doing post-transplant. The hope was that my health would improve following the procedure. One of my very confident answers was that I was excited to…
Following my heart and lung transplant in 2018, I really wanted a smartwatch. Admittedly, the dream was that I’d be using this piece of tech to track ambitious hikes and long walks. Maybe even runs. I had a very athletic vision of myself following recovery, which, of course, ended up…
As a born and bred Minnesotan, the thrill of the winter season lives in my blood. We’re a four-season state, but the reality is that the northern Midwest freezes over into a landscape of immovable ice and snow for six months of the year. My childhood memories are stacked with…
During my senior year of high school, mornings were always stressful. I attended a massive school of about 3,000 students. My driving partner and I lived on the edge of our district, so arriving on time was a constant struggle. In an attempt to be in class by 8 a.m.,…
My relationship with counseling and mental health has adapted and morphed during the many years I’ve battled chronic illness. When I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 1999, mental health was discussed far less frequently than it is today. I was also only 4 years…
I’ve written more than once about the support I’ve received from my immediate family throughout my health journey. I’m fortunate to have parents and siblings who are invested in my health and willing to accommodate our family time together, always allowing me to be a fully present participant. Through the…
I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 1999, when I was just 4 years old. My parents were obviously responsible for overseeing my healthcare at the time, particularly my mother, who has been intimately involved with my journey since the day of my diagnosis. The parent-child relationship in…
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