Colleen Steele was born and raised in New Jersey and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Immaculata University in 1994. She lived in Washington State for 20 years 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 returned to New Jersey in 2023 after her loving husband of almost 28 years passed away.
Colleen’s love for writing, experience advocating for her son, and determination to spread PH awareness inspired her to become a columnist and forum 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. Her ambition is to educate and inspire others facing similar challenges and encourage them, through her column, to share their journey. If you are a caregiver and would like to be interviewed, contact Colleen at [email protected].
“God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” is one of the oldest Christmas carols. The lyrics, which have been altered numerous times to adapt to changes within the English language, are drawn from the Christmas story…
Read more
My family has grieved the passing of many people over the years. Some died peacefully from natural causes, too many were taken by pulmonary hypertension (PH) and other diseases, and a few left…
In 2008, my then 8-year-old son, Cullen, was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) following a right heart catheterization procedure. I spent much of that night researching, taking notes, and writing questions and…
Answer: resilience. Randolph Reynolds is geared up and ready to fly an F-105 in 1978. (Courtesy of Randolph Reynolds) Randolph Reynolds, 81, had an amazing career as a jet fighter and instructor pilot…
My son Cullen was 8 when he was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Like it or not, his health and treatments became a common topic of conversation with family and friends. Although…
PH parents are busy people. Making time for each other isn’t easy, and neither is trusting someone to care for their medically frail child when they do. My husband, Brian, and I have been…
For all of you Ms. and Mr. Hospital Corners out there, I see you! No, I don’t see or care how you made your bed today, but I do care about how you’re holding…
I know what I’m about to say will make some of you roll your eyes, but it’s so important. Drink water every day! I’m reminding you because a scary dehydration event recently reminded…
My son Cullen is 22, and I’ve been his primary advocate and caregiver for 14 of those years. I’ve seen him through pulmonary hypertension (PH) and heart and double-lung transplant recovery, and…
My son Cullen was 8 when he was diagnosed with severe pulmonary hypertension (PH). His cardiologist in Washington state placed Cullen on Tracleer (bosentan) and Revatio (sildenafil). He also referred us…
On this day in 1880, a healthy baby girl named Helen Keller was born. When Helen was 19 months old, a febrile illness with no known cause struck her. Historical biographies speculate she had…
Experience has taught my husband, Brian, and me that life is what you make it, but you don’t always get to choose the ingredients. We have put a lot of love and other…
As a co-moderator for the Pulmonary Hypertension News Forums, I’ve encouraged and taken part in many hot topics over the past three years. During that time, I’ve noticed one topic resurfaces often, and…
Get regular updates to your inbox.
