Pulmonary Hypertension Association support group leaders shared how they recognized members and celebrated the holidays and the start of a new year. Here’s a snapshot of some of their celebrations:

Monica Penaranda shares: Our holiday party is something we all look forward to. We spend the time playing games and laughing. It’s a perfect way to close out the year. We always have a white elephant gift exchange of food treats, anything from baked cookies to cakes. We also play a story game, which was extra special this year. The game, Two Spoons Left for Christmas, was custom written for people with PH.

Charnetta Lester shares: The Central Virginia Support Group reflected on a successful year at our holiday party. In 2023, we organized our first t-shirt fundraiser and second silent auction, with proceeds donated to PHA. We played a fun “PH facts” trivia game. Our annual white elephant gift exchange was hilarious and exciting. The party concluded after enjoying lunch and group photos.

Kayla Dunlop displays a pillow she created at a the Loma Linda support group’s holiday gathering. The group made stuffed winter-themed pillows for a craft activity. Everyone seemed to have a fun time making them, and the pillows came out so cute, Dunlop says. PHA board member Kimberly Jackson, a registered nurse at the University of Kentucky, was the featured speaker. She talked to the group about advocating for your wellbeing.

Rayetta Johnson reports: Our support group held a holiday get together. We had an open discussion about frustration over rural health care challenges and what to do when health care professionals don’t seem to listen when we advocate for ourselves.