Olivia Edelen of PHA’s Piedmont PHriends Support Group shares her story in the December 2025 issue of Pathlight magazine.

Kavon Clayton, 33, was diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms in 2022 and pulmonary hypertension in 2024. This year, Clayton, of Hammond, Louisiana, underwent pulmonary thromboendoarterectomy surgery to improve her quality of life.

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Singer-songwriter Chloe Temtchine has raised PH awareness through music since her 2013 diagnosis. Recently, Chloe collaborated with rapper Freeway on a song to shed light on PH and the power of organ donation.

Ron Ancrum, 76, was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension in 2017. He retired in 2018 to focus on his physical and emotional health.

Danielle Carchman, 28, shares her inspiration for PHA’s Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month theme. Since Carchman’s 2-24 pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosis, she prioritizes mental and physical wellness.

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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.