Columns

Growing up, Moma would bring Halloween-themed treats to my class on my birthday. Pumpkin-themed goodies and plastic spider rings were among the items she included in each bag. Hyperactive kids bounced around, filling up on all of those sugary gifts. Watching others being happy has always filled my heart. Happy…

Second in a series. Read part one. In last week’s column, I shared the inspirational story of Cassidy Huff. Cassidy and my son Cullen became friends through the Make-A-Wish Foundation 12 years ago. When they met, Cullen had been recently diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Cassidy has…

After dealing with a pandemic for more than eight months, many in my area are growing restless. I can’t say I haven’t felt the same way at times. But what I find most disturbing is when people pretend that nothing has happened. Hello! We’re still in a pandemic, y’all. On…

Before my pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis, I’d never had therapy or counseling — though perhaps I could have used it. Over the past three years, I’ve constantly toyed with the idea.  I’ve always been good at putting on a…

First in a series. Those in the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community often refer to each other as PHamily. They don’t live under the same roof, but they do have a strong understanding of what life is like for other patients and caregivers: endless doctor appointments, hospitalizations, procedures, and surgeries. Their…

I’m lying on a frigid and tiny table that appears to have shrunk since last time. The technician tells me the MRI will take about half an hour. Thankfully, she locates me a nice, warm blanket. I am already freezing and shivering. Finally, my body moves slowly but surely…

A few years ago, if someone asked me to describe what self-care meant, images of long baths and DIY face masks would have sprung to mind. But since my diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension (PH), my understanding of self-care has changed dramatically. For those with chronic illnesses,…

Why do some people look younger the older they get? Not me! I turned 49 yesterday, but the woman in the mirror looks much older. I recently read an article that compared pictures of U.S. presidents from the year they were sworn in to the year they left the…

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…

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein After I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), I wanted to live my best life. But because of waxing and waning symptoms, I haven’t pushed my boundaries as much. I have…

“Many have credited my husband, Brian, and me as the sturdy trunk supporting our little family tree. But a tree is only as strong as its roots, and ours are as strong as they come. Without the frequent and generous support of our parents, we never could have weathered the…

Did you know that September was Pain Awareness Month? This year, the U.S. Pain Foundation’s awareness campaign focused on encouraging people to develop a personalized pain management plan. With my pulmonary hypertension (PH) and coexisting illnesses, developing my own pain management plan has been somewhat complicated. But I am…