Tiffani Brown and Debbie Kittel, co-leaders of the Ohio State University Support Group, gathered 66 pulmonary hypertension patients, caregivers and health care providers for their inaugural Friendsgiving.
Because holiday food tends to be higher in sodium and fat, Brown wanted to provide PH-friendly meal options, so those with PH, like herself, could still feel included in the seasonal festivities.
This year marked the third Friendsgiving, and Brown praised its success, noting that many guests asked for the recipes to add to their own Thanksgiving celebrations.
“Each year, we dedicate weeks to preparing for this event: planning the menu, gathering ingredients, making countless grocery runs and cooking for days. It’s a big undertaking, but one we truly love,” Brown said. “Every fall, our patients, caregivers and providers eagerly anticipate this special tradition.”
During Friendsgiving, patients also expressed their gratitude for the caregivers who are constant beacons of support and comfort. Brown made a small thank you bag for caregivers, which patients handed out.
“This dinner is a time for our community to come together and celebrate each other and all we have in this world,” Brown said. “I am excited to see how this dinner continues to evolve and expand in the years ahead.”
Want to try a new low-sodium holiday recipe?
Katherine Beich, MS, RDN, LD shares healthy sodium guidelines and strategies. She walks you through a few low sodium recipes, explores sodium management, and portion control guidelines to keep in mind when making choices throughout the holidays.
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