Loretta Chu

Loretta Chu was diagnosed with PAH in 2006 at age 25. Social media was still taking hold then, and options for finding others living with PH were limited. Loretta responded by co-founding a support group in the Toronto area for PH patients and their families. Loretta co-led the Toronto PH Support Group for nearly ten years and remained committed to ensuring that newly diagnosed patients did not feel alone for as long as her health allowed.

Loretta was there to help at the founding of PHA Canada in 2008, assisting with developing patient resources and becoming a tireless advocate for PH awareness and equitable access to life-extending therapies. Despite living with health conditions that severely limited her ability to venture far from home for extended lengths of time, Loretta always seemed to find a way to be there when needed, from supporting local fundraisers and participating in advocacy events at Queen’s Park and in Ottawa, to being a friendly and supportive presence for someone in need.

Throughout her journey, Loretta focused on finding ways to help people living with PH feel more informed, supported, and connected to others who might understand their journeys. She built the former phatoronto.ca website, helping people with PH find resources and a supportive community. Together with her support group co-leader, PHA Canada Eternal PHriend Ruth Dolan, she provided an invaluable space for both long-time group members and newcomers to talk to people who “just got it.” Preferring to listen and comfort others, Loretta provided a point of contact for many newly diagnosed patients across Ontario and the country.

In December 2020, Loretta said her final goodbyes to the PH community in her usual fashion – with warmth, honesty, and humour. PHA Canada Eternal PHriend and Founding Member Darren Bell established the Loretta Chu Memorial PH Research Scholarship to honour Loretta and her longstanding commitment to the PH community. It was awarded in 2021.

Loretta possessed an incredible strength to always reach beyond the limitations of her illness. Her desire to live a full and rewarding life despite those limitations made Loretta a remarkable person and a role model for all who knew her.