Jen is a columnist and forum moderator for Pulmonary Hypertension News Today. Jen worked in nursing before the script changed upon her diagnosis of PH in 2005. Advocating and meeting those with PH has always been an essential part of her life. Her passion is to instill hope and remind others in the PH community that they are not alone.
In her weekly column, she delves into the roller coaster of emotions that come along with PH. Having this opportunity to play a role in helping others become more informed and educated so they are more empowered in their journey is meaningful and powerful for her. Jen lives in Southern California with her husband. Together, we PHight stronger.
A rare disease like pulmonary hypertension (PH) is challenging enough to manage. Add other coexisting conditions and it gets even more complicated. I have several coexisting conditions, but my stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the…
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“Seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” ― Chris Van Allsburg, “The Polar Express” When I was young, my parents worked diligently to create a sense of…
Last week, one of my morning devotionals left me in deep thought for most of the day. It was about apologizing for everything that makes you the one-of-a-kind person you are. With both hands held high, I admit I’m…
“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” — John D. Rockefeller Recently, my husband, Manny, and I made a big life decision by selling our home in Texas and relocating to San…
Living with pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a constant challenge. If I’m not educating myself, I’m educating my family and friends, and at times, even my medical team. Yes, the members of my medical team are experts in medicine,…
Some days, as I catch a glimpse of the woman in the mirror, I find the reflection unrecognizable. The dark, weary circles around the eyes, the protruding cheek and collarbones, the pale, bluish skin — that’s me. This can…
What happens when one still suffers from COVID-19-related symptoms long after infection? Unfortunately, I am one of those people. My medical team is comprised of multiple specialists, along with my primary care doctor. Most of this team is…
Hey, y’all, I’m Jen. I love people. I enjoy talking, writing, and cooking. Coffee shops and food are my jam. I admire my family and friends. Listening to live music or being near the water helps keep me balanced.
Do you struggle to create boundaries to protect your health? Do others say that you are using your chronic illness as an excuse? If so, you are not alone. Learning to say no and creating boundaries have always been…
Something about sunshine boosts my mood. Do you find that to be true, too? For me, warmer months bring to mind fun memories of childhood traditions. When I was growing up, my family had a camp on the water.
Let’s celebrate! Come on, y’all, join me. Now, are you curious what we’re celebrating? This week, I celebrate two years of writing my column, “Worth the PHight.” I’ve mentioned before that I started this column to offer hope…
Do you find yourself scrolling through emails or multitasking when you sit down to rest? If you can’t seem to stop working or focusing on tasks, you are not alone. Our society has a troubling dilemma with…
As humans, forming quality relationships is essential to our well-being. If you are like me, the pandemic has tossed a wrench in our relationships, including the romantic ones. Do you remember your last date? If…
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