“We want to help PHind a cure for PH!” says Evette Britton, Nashville-area support group leader and event organizer for the Nashville PHun Walk, which will take place September 29 at Pinkerton Park in Franklin, Tenn. Now in its third year, Evette’s focus is on creating a positive, energetic day so that everyone in the PH community has an opportunity to help fund PH research, education and support.

Evette connected with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA) from the very beginning of her diagnosis in March 2005. Her nurse invited her to attend the local support group meeting. “It was very beneficial,” says Evette, “because I knew from the beginning that I was not alone. PH can be very isolating, and I was able to connect with others who understood.” That first encounter was the spark that led to years of volunteering and involvement with PHA.

Evette is thankful that her PH has been stable for many years. She and her husband, Edward, support their PH community by volunteering and attending events whenever and wherever they can. Beyond leading her support group and organizing the Nashville PHun Walk, Evette was a panelist this summer at the 2018 PHA International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions during the session, “Giving Back Without Burning Out.”  The resource page from the session is available on the PHA website.

Evette and Edward recognize the power of the community joining together to raise awareness and increase knowledge of PH. The couple drives an hour east of their hometown to attend RunJonahRun and RideJonahRide, events hosted by Rich and Sheri Guider in memory of their son Jonah that the Britton’s have faithfully attended for several years.

Evette encourages her local community to be involved in supporting PHA and its mission to “extend and improve the lives of those affected by PH.Register to attend the Nashville PHun Walk and sign up early! By registering online before event day, walkers gain access to resources and templates on the event website through their “Participant Center” that make fundraising for PHA easy. With the option to be a Virtual Participant, even those who cannot attend the day of the walk can help to support this great event! Whether you join Evette virtually or in person for a day of outdoor PHun — including a silent auction and raffle — you will have a great opportunity to connect with the community and meet new PHriends! Sign up now at www.PHAevents.org/Nashville. Register before September 1 to receive an event shirt!

Evette, her husband, and niece Ar'Taviona at the 2017 Walk.

Evette (left), her husband Edward (middle), and niece Ar’Taviona (right) at the 2017 walk.