Pulmonary Hypertension Association to Hold Virtual Fundraiser on World PH Day

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) will be participating in a fundraiser for World PH Day on May 5.

World PH Day is an annual event that started in 2012 and seeks to raise awareness about PH. Around the world, more than 80 organizations —  including the PHA — will be participating in the event.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the day’s events are being held virtually this year.

In recognition of World PH Day, the PHA is participating in a global day of giving back in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, called #GivingTuesdayNow. All donations to the PHA up to $15,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar on May 5.

The funds raised will go toward PHA’s efforts to support the PH community, and to spur medical research. Donations can be made on the PHA website.

“World PH Day raises awareness about the worldwide impact of this disease, and rallies the global PH community to share its collective story of hope,” Karen A. Fagan, MD, professor at the University of South Alabama and chair of the PHA board of trustees, said in a press release.

“This year’s awareness day has taken on a special meaning with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected our community in unprecedented ways. We encourage people to share how they are protecting themselves and their loved ones while also showing support for the medical professionals who care for our lungs,” Fagan said.

Worldwide, members of the PH community are encouraged to post on social media using the hashtag #WorldPHDay2020. Posts describing PH and its common symptoms, as well as posts that highlight the efforts of the PH community to work toward lung health during the ongoing pandemic, are encouraged.

A digital toolkit is available on the World PH Day website. This toolkit contains social media resources including educational messages, images, and a Facebook frame.

According to the PHA, PH is estimated to affect 75 million adults and children worldwide.

PH is a rare disease characterized by high blood pressure in the lungs, and that is often poorly understood. Symptoms of PH, such as shortness of breath, fatigue and chest pain, are fairly nonspecific; as such, it is relatively common for people with PH to be misdiagnosed with other, more widespread conditions, such as asthma.

Delays in getting a proper diagnosis can hamper appropriate treatment, which is why an early and accurate diagnosis is important for optimal management of PH.