Dear friends,
As the Pulmonary Hypertension Association celebrates its 35th anniversary, we have much to revel about. In the past three decades, PHA has achieved many wins in fulfilling our mission to improve and extend the lives of people affected by PH.
Our commitment to funding PH research has led to many FDA-approved treatments, and we continue to build on the patient education and support services started by our founders. We also continue to enhance opportunities for professional development so providers receive the latest knowledge to diagnose, treat and support their patients.
One of the major ways we support patient, family and professional learning is through PHA conferences. Registration opens March 2 for PHA 2026 PH International Conference and Scientific Sessions. The June 11-14 conference offers a range of breakout sessions for people with PH and their loved ones, scientific sessions for professionals and general sessions for all. In addition, the conference features many social events for connecting, including receptions and mixers, meals, activities and the Saturday night party and fashion show.
To ensure anyone can attend the conference, regardless of financial need, we offer four types of scholarships: adult patient, pediatric patient, patient or caregiver speaker, and child or adult with PH from outside the US. We award scholarships on a first-come, first-served basis and according to financial need, so apply early! You can apply for scholarships now, before PHA registration opens. Make sure your information in your PHA profile is up to date to apply. Signing up for membership is easy and now free for patients and caregivers.
As we prepare for PHA 2026, we’re also looking forward to a few more immediate events. Rare Disease Day is Feb. 28, and we encourage the PHA community to #ShowYourStripes by sharing your PH story.
One of every 10 Americans lives with a rare disease like pulmonary arterial hypertension. Worldwide, more than 300 million people have rare diseases. Many feel isolated because of the burden of their conditions, late diagnosis, unanswered medical questions or access to affordable, appropriate treatment. At PHA, we try to provide the support and answers you need, as our founders intended 35 years ago.
Join us in this global initiative to raise awareness and generate support for everyone on a rare medical journey, whether you have PH, love someone who does or provide PH treatment and care.
Following Rare Disease Day, our next advocacy activity occurs March 9 in Washington, D.C. We’re bringing more than 40 PH advocates to Capitol Hill to ask lawmakers to support the Supplement Oxygen Access Reform Act and other proposed legislation to improve the lives of people with PH. Accompanied by PHA staff and leaders, people with PH and their families will be visiting legislative offices to share their PH challenges and triumphs.
No matter where you are, you can help others feel less isolated, promote PH awareness and advocate for improved access to supplemental oxygen therapy and more affordable treatment. Consider participating in a PHA support group, or share your PH journey with PHA for our website, Pathlight magazine, podcast, webinars or advocacy efforts. You can make a difference on Rare Disease Day and every day.
If you have comments or questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. As I always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Matt J. Granato, LLM, MBA (he/him)
President and CEO
