“It was a complete game changer,” says Murali Chakinala, M.D, chair of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s Scientific Leadership Council. “It provided the first real hope that PH patients had.”
30 Years of PHA: Hope, Visions and Stories From simple beginnings – four women who met around a kitchen table in Florida in 1991 – the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) has evolved into an international community of more than 16,000 pulmonary hypertension (PH) patients, caregivers, family members and healthcare professionals. To commemorate our
In 1966, 8-year-old Laura Hooley underwent surgery to repair a congenital heart defect. The surgery allowed her to play volleyball, ski and enjoy relatively good health. But her CHD eventually led to pulmonary hypertension. For American Heart Month, she shares what gave her new hope.
I was told I would never see my childhood years, but I defeated that. Over time, I developed the nickname “Bones.” When my weight hit 100 pounds, my family celebrated. I was told that I would never see my teenage years, but I defeated that, too. I was told I would never get to see my adulthood. I’m now 36.
As I’ve gotten older, my heart seems to be getting stronger. I am on medications for my heart and two medications for my PH. Each test comes back better than the last. I am kicking PH’s butt. If I can do it, so can you!
My mother fought PH for six years, and it wasn't until I got older that I realized what PH patients truly go through and how much I admire the strength they show every day. My mom is the strongest woman I know. She didn’t look at PH as a downfall, and she never talked negative about what was happening to her body. She faced it head on with a smile on her face, and she knew that she had a family to fight for.
