PHighting Words – a Column by Mike Naple

May 3, 2018May 2, 2018

Raising Awareness: What Does a PHighter Look Like?

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

“Do you wear glasses?” The question took me completely off guard. I was standing in line at my local breakfast spot and staring the cashier in the face, wondering ... Read more

April 5, 2018April 4, 2018

Spending a Holiday in a Hospital Bed and other Spring Reflections

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

I’ve been quiet in this space for longer than I intended to be. Call it writer’s block or an exceedingly busy work schedule or no particular reason, really. I ... Read more

February 22, 2018February 21, 2018

PHighting for Rare Disease Awareness on Feb. 28

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

“It’s about the journey, not the destination,” is an oft-quoted phrase that is meant to remind us to be in the present and savor the special moments along the ... Read more

January 25, 2018January 24, 2018

Bouncing Back from a Checkup’s Mixed Results

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

The paper crinkled beneath me as I sat on the edge of the exam room table while waiting for my pulmonary doctor. I was at the hospital for my ... Read more

January 11, 2018January 10, 2018

PHighting Beyond Life Expectancy

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

Life expectancy is on my mind. Maybe it is because we are in the new year. Maybe it is my impending doctor’s appointments and tests that will update me ... Read more

December 21, 2017December 20, 2017

Why Setting Goals Is Part of My New Normal

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

I cannot believe 2018 is already upon us. I don’t know about you, but 2017 has felt like one ongoing, never-ceasing stress test. For many reasons. I have never ... Read more

December 14, 2017December 14, 2017

The PHun Side of Anger

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

I’m going to get this out of the way. There is no fun side of anger, regardless of how you spell it. I never considered myself an angry person. ... Read more

November 30, 2017November 29, 2017

Aware, Rare, and Advocating for PH Year-Round

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

The other night I sat in my small living room as an episode of “The West Wing” played in the background. I probably was writing something or other, not ... Read more

November 16, 2017November 15, 2017

Showing Gratitude and Perseverance While Living with PH

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

I’m going to be honest with you, readers. I didn’t want to write this column. I was sure I lacked the bandwidth to do it, to write it in ... Read more

November 9, 2017November 9, 2017

Peeling Back the Layers of Chronic Illness

Columns, PHighting Words - a Column by Mike Naple

On a recent rainy fall day in Washington, D.C., you could find me in my small kitchen apartment cooking up a hearty beef stew. I prepped all the vegetables ... Read more