Canadian PH Community Survey Demonstrates the Resiliency of People Affected by Rare Disease Pulmonary Hypertension
VANCOUVER, BC (November 1, 2021) — This November, Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension (PH) will be celebrating Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month by sharing results of a recent survey that demonstrates their incredible resilience in the face of this rare, life-threatening disease. Online events and social media campaigns will bring together the PH community to raise awareness of PH and share stories of their resiliency as they live their “Life in Purple”.
Pulmonary hypertension is an invisible condition, unknown to most people and misunderstood even by health professionals, often leading to significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. Each November, PHA Canada acknowledges PH Awareness Month with their annual “Life in Purple” campaign to shine a light on the thousands of Canadians living with PH. ‘‘Living with pulmonary hypertension, I have found an inner strength I may not have known otherwise. However, it can still be difficult, as most people don’t know or at least don’t understand what PH is or how it affects people. Bringing awareness to the public about PH can have a significant impact on our lives, from our everyday engagement with the world to achieving earlier diagnosis, developing new treatments, and ultimately, one day, finding a cure!’’ says 31-year-old kindergarten teacher Jane Sernoskie from Ottawa, Ontario, who has been living with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension since 2016.
Celebrated annually throughout the month of November, PH Awareness Month is an international event that raises awareness of PH, a severe condition affecting the lungs and heart. People living with PH worldwide, along with their loved ones and care providers, unite to raise awareness of the condition and the need for earlier diagnosis, more effective and accessible treatments, and—ultimately—a cure. PH affects more than 25 million people worldwide, including up to 10,000 Canadians.
A national survey of Canada’s PH community conducted this past summer shows how Canadians affected by PH are coping with the risks and uncertainty of living with a chronic lung disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘‘Living with pulmonary hypertension is tough at the best of times. However, living with a lung disease during the pandemic has brought extra challenges and an opportunity to see examples of strength and resiliency among those affected by PH. We want to remind our community of this resiliency and how we can continue to support them in maintaining and building this valuable skill.’’ states Jamie Myrah, Executive Director of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada.
Learn more about November PH Awareness Month and the events taking place at: phacanada.ca/lifeinpurple