For the past five months, PHA colleagues Sophia Donis and Jenny Errico have known each other only through computer screens. On Sunday, Sept. 28, they’ll meet for the first time in person — while running the Chicago Lifetime Half Marathon.

Before they became colleagues, Donis and Errico registered for the same half marathon. Months later, after bonding over their mutual love of exercise, they discovered they would be running the same race. Now, they’re using this opportunity to raise funds to support the Pulmonary Hypertension Association and honor the PH community. 

Pushing past limits  

Donis started running in February 2024 to prepare for a 5k to support the refugee community in St. Louis. After the race, she was inspired to continue running and prioritize physical wellness. 

“I started training for the half marathon in January 2025, and the furthest I could run was three miles,” Donis said. “When I hit five miles a few weeks later, it was such a special moment, and I was incredibly proud of myself.” 

Throughout training, Donis has learned a lot about how to be successful on long-distance runs and the importance of listening to her body.  

“There has been a lot of trial and error when it comes to what works best for me on long runs,” Donis said. “What I’ve found works best is drinking 100 ounces of water a day, using my inhaler beforehand and consistently fueling every 30 minutes.” 

In addition to reaching a personal milestone, Donis says the race is her opportunity to give back to the PH community.  

“I never anticipated being so passionate about pulmonary hypertension, but this community means so much to me,” Donis said. “Every time I connect with a patient, it feels empowering to help share their story and do whatever I can to support them.” 

One foot in front of the other 

A triple varsity athlete in high school, Errico always prioritized movement. As a junior in college, she experienced heart complications that caused chest pain, fainting spells and extreme fatigue. Her resting heart rate was 135 beats per minute.  

“I was exhausted and in pain all the time,” Errico said. “I had to make so many adjustments to accommodate my body. What used to be a 10-minute walk to class turned into a 40-minute one because I was so out of breath and tired. I had to take naps throughout the day because the fatigue really overtook my body. I wanted everyone to think I was fine, but I wasn’t.”  

In February 2022, Errico underwent cardiac ablation, a surgery that creates scars in the heart to block irregular heartbeats. After surgery, Errico’s grandma said she felt relieved when she looked at Errico’s heart monitor and saw a steady resting heart rate of 70 bmp.  

Two weeks later, Errico ran a 5K. And two months later, she ran a 10K. Every year since, she’s made a goal to run at least two races and celebrate her health.  

“Health and movement are really such gifts, and I think it’s hard to know how special they are until they’re taken away,” Errico said. “I am really grateful that there have been solutions to all the health issues I’ve had. I recognize not everyone is as lucky. 

“I see this race as a celebration for all my body has overcome and is still overcoming, and to honor everyone in the PH community who proves every day what true resilience looks like.”  

Sophia Donis is the communications Associate at PHA and is responsible for managing social media content, writing patient stories for the Right Heart Blog and Pathlight and editing digital content. Jenny Errico is the communications and marketing coordinator at PHA. She manages PHA’s eight newsletters and email marketing efforts and writes patients stories for the Right Heart Blog and Pathlight.  

Cheer on Team PHA  

During the race, Donis and Errico will post updates and test each other’s knowledge with PH-themed trivia. Follow along on the PHA Instagram and Facebook as the pair cross the finish line and raise funds to support the PH community.  

Each dollar raised will support PHA’s efforts to improve patient care, research new treatments, provide free resources for patients and caregivers and continue to build an amazing network of support groups so no one has to navigate this condition alone.  

Make a gift to Team PHA Chicago and support the PHA community.