As Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month winds down, PHA sends a huge thanks for the support raised through our many fundraising events, including the year’s final three O2 breathe walks in November. We look to seeing you at one of our events in 2024.
El Paso, Texas
On Nov. 4, the El Paso PH community raised $16,385 at its first Pulmonary Hypertension Association O2breathe walk. The walk commemorated Lauren Thompson, a member of the El Paso support group, and Claudia Fierro, the first leader of that support group.
People with PH, their families, friends and health care professionals gathered at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center-El Paso.
Support group co-leaders Estella Medina and Adriana Mares discussed the value of support groups and community. Texas Tech PH Clinic Director Nils Nickel, MD, provided a PH research update. El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser kicked off the walk with a PH Awareness Month proclamation.
The event’s top fundraising teams were Raven’s Mighty Miracles, EP Lady PHighters and Claudia’s Warriors. Top fundraising participants were Raven Valencia, Valerie Peterson and Jennifer Wright.
Monrovia, California
Also on Nov. 4, the Monrovia PH community raised $1,885 during its 10th annual O2breathe walk, held in memory of Joannie Gholar Yuille.
The event at the Monrovia Library brought together people with PH, their families, friends and health care professionals, in addition to Yuille’s large community of friends and family members. Chris Gorsline was recognized with the Caregiver of the Year Award.
Dallas
The final O2breathe walk of the year was Nov. 11 at Bachmann Lake in Dallas. People with PH gathered for a one-mile or 5-kilometer walk with their friends, families and health care professionals from Baylor Scott & White and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
The event raised more than $10,000, thanks in large part to top fundraising teams BSW Friends, PHabulous UTSW PH Providers (and Friends!), and Lisa’s PHriends and PHamily, as well as top individual fundraisers Toni Fourte, Carolina Carvajal and Adrian Felder.
Interested in hosting or attending a fundraiser in your area next year? We want to hear from you.
El Paso, Texas
Monrovia, California