Stress Relievers Make Perfect Gifts for Patients and Caregivers
What is the main thing that patients and caregivers have in common? I believe the answer is stress. Therefore, one of the best gifts you can give them is something to help them relax.
Life as a Caregiver — Colleen Steele
Colleen Steele was born and raised in New Jersey and received a Bachelor of Arts in English from Immaculata University in 1994. 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 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 to share their journey. If you are a caregiver and would like to be interviewed, contact Colleen at [email protected].
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In loving memory of a good neighbor
Cornered. That is how my son Cullen, 25, and our family felt when he was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2008. But being cornered isn’t as scary when you look around and…
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Learning to Laugh at Embarrassing Medical Moments
Being human makes everyone susceptible to embarrassing moments. Some have learned to deal with them by laughing at themselves. Facepalm-worthy fumbles happen, even when dealing with something as serious as a rare disease. Medical…
I’m Working on Accepting the Risks of Imbalance
When I look at my Christmas tree, I appreciate its Christian symbolism as much as I do its beauty. There are many meanings passed down throughout history, but I have my favorites. The…
PH and Transplant Strengthened a Brotherly Bond
My sons are 13 months apart and affectionately referred to as “Irish twins.” Cullen is 21, and Aidan just turned 20. My husband and I hoped that having them close in age would…
Consistent, Small Efforts Can Result in Lifesaving Development
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” My son Cullen could have been the poster child for this famous quote by Robert Collier. The 20th century American…
A Little Effort Is Worth the Christmas Joy
It’s been a long, difficult year, so let’s make up for it with over-the-top Christmas cheer. We should decorate our homes from floor to ceiling, and ground to rooftop. Bake, cook, watch holiday movies,…
Life Is Worth the Picture
Life with pulmonary hypertension was far from picture perfect, but I always took snapshots anyway. No filters, just life the way my own eyes had seen it. I captured reality from all angles: the…
Reflections From a Thankful Caregiver
Are you a pulmonary hypertension (PH) caregiver? If so, then November has been your special month. Thanksgiving is celebrated this week in the U.S., and all month there has been a focus on…
As Cullen Turns 21, We Celebrate Another Milestone
Adulting is hard. As children, we look forward to the freedom to make our own decisions, but being responsible for ourselves isn’t always as satisfying as we thought it would be. Even those blessed…
Finding Balance Between Optimism and Pessimism
There are times in life when I believe it is necessary to sit on the fence between optimism and pessimism. A pulmonary hypertension (PH) diagnosis and the battle that follows is one of those…
30 Days to Be Thankful and Aware
November is a special month for many. It is a time to gather with friends and family, and share a meal, memories, current events, and hope for the future. Now is the season for…
People With Different Rare Diseases Share Common Struggles
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…
