Keish Jackson lives with four chronic illnesses — lupus, scleroderma, interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension. For ILD Awareness Month, she shares her diagnosis journey and how she balances her conditions with being a mother, wife and patient advocate. Jackson is from New Orleans and has a 23-year-old son and 16-year-old daughter.

Janessa Curnow, 34, is a Pulmonary Hypertension Association support group leader from Grand Rapids, Michigan. She worked in finance until 2013 when she was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension. She has volunteered for PHA’s Generation Hope programs since 2018.

Elise Firestone, the reigning Miss Connecticut for America Strong, has competed in pageants and fitness and dance competitions for many years. In addition to competing, she is a sales representative for Bausch and Lomb and has a 9-year-old daughter. Firestone, 42, was diagnosed in 2002 with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension and raises PH awareness through competitions.

Amy Burant of Denver has used supplementary oxygen since 2012 and liquid oxygen since 2015 for her pulmonary arterial hypertension. Her background as an intensive care nurse has helped her advocate for herself and people with lung diseases.

Elizabeth Freyr was born with a congenital heart defect in 1991. Thirty years later, she learned she had pulmonary arterial hypertension. Since her PH diagnosis, she’s learned to be courageous, live in the moment and put herself first.

Amy Earnest was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension shortly after she was born in 1994. Since then, she’s learned the importance of choosing the right doctor and advocating for herself. Earnest, of East Moline, Illinois, shares her story to spread awareness and connect with others. ‘I know I’m here for a purpose and want to live every day to the fullest.’

RoxAnna Blackwell of Calhoun Falls, South Carolina, (pictured center) is an educator and mother of one son. Blackwell enjoys spending time with family and friends, good food and traveling. She originally shared her Hurricane Helene experience in Pathlight, PHA’s quarterly member magazine.

Kim Everett has lived with lupus for over 40 years and pulmonary arterial hypertension for over 20. For Lupus Awareness Month, she shares her diagnosis journey and advice for navigating life with chronic illnesses.

Jenna Olitsky of Orange County, California, began blogging about health and travel after she was diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia-related pulmonary hypertension. She shares her diagnosis journey during HHT Awareness Month.

Diagnosis & treatment