Dear PH community,

Never have the words “empowered by hope” meant more than they do now as we look back on the challenges of 2020 and look forward to the opportunities of 2021.

In this, my last update as CEO of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), I want to express my appreciation to everyone who helped advance PHA’s mission over the past four and a half years, as well as my gratitude for having had the privilege to serve this great organization and community and to have enjoyed the support and wisdom of the PHA Board of Trustees.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this special community of patients, caregivers and health care providers. For those with pulmonary hypertension (PH), thank you for sharing your stories, your time and your experiences to support other patients and educate professionals, policy makers and the general public. Thanks especially to those who participate in clinical trials and the PHA Registry. Your contributions are invaluable to PH research for better treatment and ultimately a cure.

For those in the health care provider community, thank you for your tireless work to treat and care for people with PH and conduct PHA-funded research, particularly during these challenging times. I am especially thankful for those who serve on PHA’s Scientific Leadership Council, PHPN Executive Committee and volunteer committees who help ensure PHA provides the most timely, credible and trusted information that our patients have come to rely on throughout their journeys.

I would also like to thank the members of PHA’s Corporate Committee, whose partnership and support have played an important role in our ability to advance PHA’s mission of serving the PH community.

Finally, I am grateful for PHA’s talented, dedicated staff – not just for the work you do to manage and support PHA programs and services – but also for the commitment and compassion you bring to your work every day, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of you – patients, caregivers, providers, researchers, leaders and PHA staff – will be critical throughout PHA’s 30th anniversary year. Without you, PHA could not fulfill that mission to extend and improve the lives of those affected by PH. I wish you much success in 2021 and beyond.

As we look toward the year ahead, we traditionally anticipate the joys of spending time with those we cherish most. Our holiday celebrations will look very different this year without the usual festive gatherings of friends and family. Despite the difficulties of distancing, we can celebrate signs of better times ahead, thanks to COVID-19 vaccines.

In the meantime, please remain safe by wearing masks, maintaining a safe distance from others and washing your hands. I am hopeful these difficult days will be behind us by this time next year.

Best wishes from all of us at PHA for a wonderful holiday season and new year.

Best wishes,

Brad A. Wong
PHA President & CEO