Gary Bruce co-leads the Pulmonary Hypertension Association Dallas Support Group with his wife Debra Hines-Bruce, whom he met at a PHA conference. He initially shared his story in the 2023 PHA Annual Report.
When I was diagnosed with PH in 2015, I felt lost and scared. I found my community when I joined a PHA support group. Then I met my wife at PHA 2016 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions. That conference will always be special to me.
This journey can feel isolating at times, but with Debra by my side — someone who truly understands the ups and downs of pulmonary hypertension — I feel heard and understood.
In 2017, Debra and I became co-leaders of the Dallas Support Group and grew our numbers from a handful of participants to 35. My favorite thing is putting smiles on the other patients’ faces. By helping them through their journeys (medication, treatment and oxygen questions), they’re helping me be a better person. We’re a family.
I recently attended a PHA Connects: PH Community Workshop. Meeting new people at the support group leader training and having dinner together was amazing. We shared our progress with PH and connected over the medications and treatments we use. Debra and I made friends with a couple from San Antonio who also are support group leaders. Those types of connections make you proud to be accepted.
I felt the same openness at the conferences I’ve attended. Debra and I have participated in the fashion show, and at PHA 2022 I led an all-male support group about relationships and how to remain intimate with PH. At PHA 2018 I spoke about how to date with PH.
This disease controls your body, but not your mind and soul. I feel like it’s my job to learn everything I can and help others take back that control.
PHA has more reach and information about PH than ever before. When someone has a question about PH, I tell them to head to the PHA webpage. There’s so much credible information about medications, treatment and medical intervention. And I have used those resources as a patient and caregiver.
The PHA Facebook page keeps us up to date on events, community stories and research advancements. PHA’s monthly Leader Letter updates support group leaders on meeting opportunities, resources and more.
One of my favorite events to organize is the Zebra PHest O₂breathe Walk. In 2023, we raised raised $10,000 to benefit PHA. PHA has provided Debra and me with so many opportunities to be involved, make a difference and learn about medical advancements. Those opportunities have improved our quality of life. The education and connections make life worth living.
