Bring Hope to the PH Community. Make a Gift Today.

Madison Wegener was six years old and less than six months into her pulmonary hypertension diagnosis when her family first attended PHA’s International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions in 2012. Over the years, she attended every Pulmonary Hypertension Association conference she could and created friendships that would last her lifetime. These connections made all the difference to her quality of life.

For the Wegener’s, PHA’s conferences became a lifeline of hope.

“The real ‘wow factor,’ however, came when we attended Conference. It showed us PHA is an organization that understands the importance of bringing together all parties involved: patients, caregivers and health care providers. We were no longer fighting alone.”

Cheryl Wegener, mother of Madison, on her first experience at PHA 2012 conference

For 14 years, Madison brought joy and happiness to her family, friends and local community. Sadly, after eight years with PH, Madison passed away in January 2020. But, she was never alone. In spring 2023, what would have been Madison’s senior year, her high school selected PHA as one of two beneficiaries of their Brighton Senior Survivor week-long fundraising event. The event raised $100,000, half of which was donated to PHA. Madison’s legacy was further honored during graduation when her family received an honorary diploma.

In just a few months, individuals with PH, their families, caregivers and health care providers will gather in Indianapolis for PHA 2024. Some, like Madison, will connect with other people with PH for the first time. Others will reconnect with old friends and colleagues. Everyone will have the opportunity to learn the latest on PH research, treatment and disease management, network, attend support group meetings and celebrate.

Your generosity enables efforts like PHA conferences and online support groups to bring community and connection to those who need it the most. Your gift also helps fund research efforts for PH and support for health care professionals. Make a gift today to bring hope to the PH community.

Donor Spotlights

Family Shares Story To Help Other Bereaved Caregivers

Joanna Grey found hope in her doctors, her family and the pulmonary hypertension community after her 2016 diagnosis. Since her 2021 death from transplant complications, her family has been striving to keep her memory alive. Joanna's family shared her story with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association for the spring issue of Pathlight, PHA's quarterly magazine, and PHA's spring fundraising campaign.

Help 11-Year-Old Baseball Player Strike Out PH

When Tyler Garigen was diagnosed with PH, he was only 4 years old. Thanks to the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), he and his family found hope for the future. “I can’t imagine living with PH without all the help from PHA.,” he says. Tyler, the face of PHA’s 30th anniversary fall fundraising campaign, encourages the PH community to help PHA continue providing support, education and research.

Support Our Spring Fundraising Campaign by June 30

Marcie McGregor, the face of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s spring fundraising campaign, shared her emotional story at PHA 2022 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions in Atlanta. Join Marcie and her family with a gift to PHA by June 30, and give hope for PH patients of all ages.

Devoted to Each Other and PHA

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association recognizes the long-term love between Georgette and Dean Bridger in our end-of-year fund raising campaign. Join them in making a gift to give all families affected by pulmonary hypertension hope for the holidays.

Michigan Man Honors Optimistic, Spirited Wife

John and Sandy Awood were planning a big bucket list trip in 2007: An excursion to Egypt with a boat trip up the Nile to see historical sites along the way. Later that year, they canceled the trip after Sandy was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. John remembers his wife’s fighting spirit by supporting the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

McGraw Family: Making a Difference for 3 Decades

Terry and Tom McGraw initially joined the fledging Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) to find answers. Thirty years later, they’re entrenched in the pulmonary hypertension community as longtime volunteers and fundraisers. Discover their story as part of PHA’s 30th anniversary.