Music has been central to the lives of James Ramsey, David Stott and Stephen Carter-Hicks since childhood. But they faced new realities when they were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.

Despite the shortness of breath and other PH challenges, they found ways to adapt – and continue performing. Whether performing less demanding songs, prioritizing rest or managing stress, they show that PH hasn’t silenced their musical passions.

“Finding New Rhythm With PH” is just one of the many inspirational stories in the new issue of Pathlight, out this month. Pathlight is the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s quarterly magazine, available online or by mail to members.

Other articles in the new issue include:

Buoyed by hope, inspiration and education at PHA 2026

PHA 2026 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions attracted nearly 1,000 attendees from nearly every state and 57 countries. In our cover story, attendees discuss their favorite aspects of the conference, including specific education sessions, finding resources and social activities. Brandon and Karina Robbins were especially grateful to connect with other parents, other new attendees and doctors who had consulted on their 1-year-old daughter’s case.

‘Digging’ for an accurate diagnosis

Civil engineer Rebecca “Becky” Bentley returned to hiking and white water rafting months after a pulmonary thromboendoarterectomy. Bentley shares her chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension journey to spread CTEPH awareness. “I have been able to do things I lost the ability to … and gained a new perspective on what I consider to be tough or hard to get through.”

Science teacher turns advocate

Elizabeth Cooke leaped at the chance to represent PHA on Capitol Hill. “I am actually a very shy person, but I pushed through my comfort zone,” says Cooke, who has CTEPH and pulmonary arterial hypertension. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how policies like the SOAR Act, the Safe Step Act and robust Medicare and Medicaid protections directly shape the survival and quality of life for people living with PH.”

‘We want to do our part’

In the early days of her PH journey, retired school nurse Jill Huett turned to PHA’s website and Pathlight magazine on the advice of her pulmonologist. She found both so helpful that she and her husband Don decided to donate to PHA via an IRA qualified charitable distribution. “To be able to read about other people and their experience – and know you’re not alone in this – it’s been extremely helpful,” she says. “We want to help ensure these services continue.”