Diagnosed in 1987, Diane Ramirez lived with pulmonary arterial hypertension for 36 years. By spring 2022, she felt sicker and weaker than she’d been since her diagnosis. In September 2023, Ramirez underwent a heart and lung transplant at Duke University Medical Center.
A year and a half after transplant, Ramirez will share her story as keynote speaker at the PHA Connects: PH Community Workshop in Charlotte, North Carolina. The free workshop takes place Saturday, March 22.
Join Ramirez and other members of the PH community to advance your knowledge, gain insight on the latest research, and connect with others for support and resources. Register by Friday, March 14.
In her keynote speech, Ramirez will highlight her experience living with PAH, undergoing transplantation and adapting to life post-transplant.
“I hope that … people will see what it’s like to live life fully and embrace the moment, whether you’re recently diagnosed, living with pulmonary hypertension or undergoing the transplant process,” says Ramirez. “The diagnosis stinks, but it’s not going anywhere. We have to find a way to find our joy, find hope and have something to hold onto through the good and the bad.”
A member of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s Board of Trustees, Ramirez is an active PHA volunteer. She is the leader of PHA’s Piedmont Area Support Group and serves on the PHA’s Support Group Advisory Board. Ramirez also is a member of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute’s transplant task force.
“My involvement with PHA has helped me through my journey with PH. By finding a support group and eventually becoming a leader, I found a sense of purpose that helped me with my confidence and self-esteem,” Ramirez says.
Don’t miss the chance to hear Ramirez’s inspirational talk. Plus, learn more about PH research and treatment from regional PH experts in Charlotte. Register for the workshop.
