Life As A Caregiver – a Column by Colleen Steele

Colleen was born and raised in New Jersey, and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Immaculata University in 1994. She lives in Washington state with her husband and two sons. Her oldest child was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension when he was 8. At 14, he received a heart and double-lung transplant. Colleen’s love for writing, experience advocating for her son, and determination to spread PH awareness inspired her to become a columnist and forums moderator for Pulmonary Hypertension News in 2019. In her column, “Life As A Caregiver,” Colleen is open and honest about caring for her son, his PH experiences, and life post-transplant. It is her ambition to educate and inspire others facing similar challenges.

September 28, 2020September 24, 2020

Maintaining a Healthy Relationship Between Doctor and Patient

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

One-sided relationships are unhealthy, so why have one with your doctor? It’s important for both patient and doctor to be committed to establishing an open, honest, and respectful rapport. ... Read more

September 21, 2020September 17, 2020

Creating Your Own Recipe for Lemonade

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

When my son Cullen was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH), my husband and I would have gone to the ends of the earth to help him fight it. When ... Read more

September 14, 2020September 14, 2020

Creating Space Between Peace and Anxiety

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

Have you ever nodded off at an inappropriate time? For a moment, your body gives in to fatigue. Your heavy eyelids begin to droop, and you start to ease ... Read more

August 31, 2020August 27, 2020

Medication Compliance and Patient Advocacy Are Big Pills to Swallow

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

Learning how to take medications can be a hard lesson for children, but my son Cullen managed it like a champ when he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). ... Read more

August 10, 2020August 10, 2020

Experiencing the Other Side of Organ Donation

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

On Aug. 7, my son Cullen celebrated his six-year anniversary of having a heart and double-lung transplant. In last year’s anniversary column, I shared the joys and struggles that ... Read more

August 3, 2020July 30, 2020

Life as a Caregiver Is Worthy of a Reality TV Show

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

When driving to doctors’ appointments for my son Cullen, we often listen to “The Danny Bonaduce & Sarah Morning Show.” They make us laugh, and we enjoy the topics. ... Read more

July 27, 2020July 23, 2020

The Power of Persistence When Battling Health Insurance

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

If you are battling a chronic illness, odds are you have also battled health insurance. My son Cullen managed his pulmonary hypertension (PH), received a heart and double-lung transplant, ... Read more

July 20, 2020July 17, 2020

Surviving the Stages of Grief Caused by a Life-threatening Illness

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

It’s challenging to develop healthy coping styles upon receiving a shocking pulmonary hypertension diagnosis. My 8-year-old son, Cullen’s, PH diagnosis was like a magic wand that instantly transformed our ... Read more

July 13, 2020July 13, 2020

Rooted in the Love of Cullen’s Grandparents, We Are Strong

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

About 14 years ago, our oldest son, Cullen, started showing signs of disease. For two years, we lived with the frustration of not knowing the cause. Finally, we discovered ... Read more

July 6, 2020July 2, 2020

My Son Is Taking Over His Own Care Management

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

In last week’s column, I discussed my son Cullen’s transition from pediatric to adult care at a medical center not associated with his previous team. My focus has been ... Read more