Darren Bell

Following the PAH diagnosis of his son Dylan in 1998, Darren Bell became increasingly more engaged in advocating for and furthering the interests of the PH community in Canada. By 2006, Darren was among the key leaders in the PH community to identify the need for a broader national organization, one that would unite the thousands of Canadians affected by PH. He was very involved in the meetings that took place during international events and worked closely alongside his fellow Western Canadian PHriend Liz McCall to move things forward in areas of community support and access to treatment. After the loss of his son in 2007, Darren joined representatives from across the country to form the original Board of Directors for a new national organization—the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada—of which he became the first elected President in 2008.

His work with the organization has been instrumental in bringing together groups from across Canada. Driven by a strong desire to offer more timely support to patients and more equitable access to life-saving treatments, Darren has always put the needs of the community ahead of his own. As a fellow PH parent, his voice has provided families with hope, courage, and the strength to keep fighting and raising awareness of pulmonary hypertension within their local communities.

Darren Bell has continuously provided a strong and loud voice. Without his influence and knowledge, PHA Canada would not be where it is now. As a leader and hero of the PH community in Canada, we are all eternally grateful for his efforts and contributions to empowering Canadians affected by this disease.