The 2019 Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s (PHA’s) Zebra PHest 5K and PHun Walk will return for its 13th year at Bachman Park in Dallas, on Saturday, Nov. 9, for a fun community event that includes a 5K race, a 1-mile walk, a 100-yard kids dash, face painting, raffles, vendor booths and more.
As the walk approaches, teams are continuing to sign up to raise money and support the pulmonary hypertension (PH) community. Jennifer and Joe Morrow choose to walk each year in honor of their daughter Isla, who was diagnosed with PH when she was only 3 years old. When Isla was diagnosed, the Morrows were told that Isla would probably not reach school age, let alone attend school. “Thanks to the work of the doctors, the research, the awareness — we actually heard the word ‘teenager’ for the first time during a recent doctor visit,” says Joe.
Jennifer and Joe have attended PHA’s Zebra PHest since Isla was diagnosed in 2016. They share that every event is more special than the last. “We started very small with Team Isla Grey, mainly comprised of family and close friends. Now we are going to walk into PHA’s 2019 Zebra PHest with an army of supporters — comprised of family, friends, coworkers, doctors, teachers, strangers and more. Our ‘flock’ has grown into an entire community, an entire network of people intertwined through our daily life, that are willing to donate their time, money and support to this very important event,” say the Morrows.
Every year, the Morrows look forward to the community and support PHA’s Zebra PHest provides to their family. “Realizing we are not going through this alone gives us the perspective and determination to PHight! There is so little understanding and publicity of this disease. Having this event to bring people dealing with this disease together has indescribable power. We wanted Isla, even at a young age, to witness and interact with other kids and people who share this struggle with her.”
The Morrows are inspired every day to keeping fighting because of Isla. “She is such a strong little girl and fighter. It is so easy to get buried by the struggle, and we want people to know they aren’t alone. There is an entire community out there that can help be a resource during this struggle. We are adamant about raising money to get treatments more readily available and more affordable. We want to find a cure. We want to raise awareness of PH. We want to honor those who lost their fight. So here we are – parents of a beautiful 6-year-old blessing from God and a family 100% committed to raising awareness for pulmonary hypertension,” say the Morrows.
The Morrow family will be joined by local health care providers from around the Dallas area, including University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Baylor Scott & White – The Heart Hospital Plano and Baylor University Medical Center.
Click here to register and join the Morrow family, along with other patients, families and health care providers at the 13th Annual PHA Zebra PHest 5K and PHun Walk. Those who are not able to attend the event may also register as a virtual walker or donate.
