Samuele Butera photographed in September. (All photos courtesy of Samuele Butera) This is Samuele Butera’s story: Alexis. Gerry. Chelsea. Sophia. Dori. These are some of the amazing advocates living with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) whom I’ve been privileged to know in my position leading the pulmonary…
Throughout November, Pulmonary Hypertension News is recognizing Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) Awareness Month with a variety of stories that represent different perspectives on life with PH that we hope help to inspire and empower our readers. These stories highlight some of the unique challenges of living with PH, as well as stories of hope and inspiration and other topics that help to generate awareness among the PH community. Follow along with the series here or visit us on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #PHSpotlight.
Sophia Esteves balances on a rock in this photo from July. (Photos courtesy of Sophia Esteves) This is Sophia Esteves’ story: I’ve felt at times that there were no words to describe the roller coaster ride that is life with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). I can…
Cindy Moser, left, and her son, Sam Kelly, at a skate-a-thon fundraiser in May 2019. They did this one together. (Photos courtesy of Cindy Moser) This is Cindy Moser’s story: I will exercise here, I will exercise there, I will exercise anywhere — even in the hospital! One…
Our beautiful young lady, Becca, on Easter 2016, age 24. (Photos courtesy of Chris Atherton) This is Chris Atherton’s story: Becca, our beautiful daughter, was born in 1992. Initially, we cared for her while her birth parents made decisions about her future. Eventually, they relinquished their rights, and Becca…
Kristine Green and her son, Oliver, travel to see her PH specialist in September. (Photos courtesy of Kristine Green) This is Kristine Green’s story: Looking out the large window of my ninth-floor hospital room, I suddenly realized things were serious. For some reason, the hospitalizations, countless procedures, ICU stays,…
Stacey McCarthy was diagnosed in 2019 with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension. (Photos courtesy of Stacey McCarthy) This is Stacey McCarthy’s story: Hello, everyone. My name is Stacey, and I am honored and humbled to share my journey of living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) with you. In 2009, I…
DeLois Tweety and her husband, John, head home after a hospitalization. (Photos courtesy of Delois Tweety) This is DeLois Tweety’s story: My story began in 1977. I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and was treated with high doses of radiation to my neck, chest, and abdomen. Later, I…
Jas James says her husband, Rick, is her biggest supporter, as well as their daughters, Stephanie, left, and Jessica. (Photos courtesy of Jas James) This is Jas James’ story: I was diagnosed with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) at 42. At the time, I had no idea what…
The Brunker family. (Photos courtesy of Amanda Brunker) This is Amanda Brunker’s story: Our family’s experience with pulmonary arterial hypertension runs deep. I’m writing as a spouse, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, and mother of a PAH tribe member. The story starts with Donna, diagnosed in the early ’90s when little…
Kyleen Gonzales and her husband Bryan Gonzales rappel in Mexico in spring 2023. (Photos courtesy of Kyleen Gonzales) This is Kyleen Gonzales’ story: Our late daughter Kaylyn Gonzales was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) when she was 17. She had quit soccer, and then…
