Workshop, Walk Participants Find Hope in Houston O2Breathe Walk – Houston There was no question Sofia Esteves would drive three hours to Houston the weekend of April 6-7.Esteves, San Antonio support group leader and long-term PH thriver, attended the free PHA Connects: PH Community Workshop to meet other members of the pulmonary hypertension community and learn from local specialists to advance her PH knowledge.“This is a pivotal moment in PH because of all the new advancements in treatment options,” Esteves said. “Hopefully the new medications will change and extend the lives of so many patients.”Esteves is among nearly 90 people who attended the April 6 workshop, which brought together patients, caregivers and health care professionals at the Westin Houston Medical Center. Esteves and other attendees learned about the latest advancements in PH research and disease management from regional experts.Sessions focused on helping attendees learn more about PH, the transition from pediatric to adult care, and managing treatment side effects. During support group conversations and breakfast and lunch, attendees shared their experiences and connected.

Inspiration

“If you look around this room today, you will realize that you are sitting amongst angels,” said keynote speaker Barron “Coach Bear” Honea, who was diagnosed with PH in 2020.Coach Bear reflected on the patients, caregivers and health care professionals who share hope for new treatments and eventually a cure for PH.Honea moved many attendees to tears as he expressed gratitude for his wife and caregiver Darla as well as his health care team. Honea credits the team — who attended the session — with saving his life.

Fundraising

The following day offered a physically and emotionally moving experience when the PH community met in Helix Park for the second Houston O2breathe Walk. The event raised $22,525, surpassing the organizers’ fundraising goals.The top fundraising teams were:
  • Jordan’s PHight: $7,625.
  • Josh’s Rangers: $4,850.
  • PHired Up: $2,595.
The participants who raised the most money individually were:
  • Barron Honea: $4,310.
  • George Peoples: $2,500.
  • Sandeep Sahay: $1,000.

Getting into the spirit

Sawanda Cornett attended the walk with her family and twin sister. Cornett has been involved with PHA and the PH community since her diagnosis 20 years ago by fundraising, participating in clinical trials and attending events. At the walk, Cornett donated hats she made with the PH purple ribbon to raise awareness.Cornett was one of several participants who shared their story to spread hope to others.“My twin doesn’t have PH and I do, and people asked why God picked on me,” Sawanda said. “And I say, God didn’t pick on me, he picked me. He picked me to be this force of light and gave me a platform to speak to others on this journey.”The next dual PHA Connects: PH Community Workshop and O2breathe Walk will be Oct. 26-27 in Phoenix. See all events.