Vancouver, BC (June 2020) — The Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada (PHA Canada) is a federally registered charity established in 2008 by patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to work together to better the lives of Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension (PH), a rare and potentially fatal lung disease. In May, Nicole Dempsey of Cambridge, Ontario became the first patient to be appointed Chair of PHA Canada’s Board of Directors. She takes over the leadership role as the PH community copes with the risks and uncertainty of living with a chronic lung disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2013, Nicole Dempsey was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) at age 39. She struggled for a whole year with shortness of breath and extreme fatigue before seeking medical assistance and getting a diagnosis. Today she manages a difficult and complicated treatment regime, while fighting for better care and quality of life for all Canadians affected by PH.
“It can be reassuring to have a patient who knows how to live with the disease in a leadership role, especially during COVID-19. I can empathize with both patients and caregivers, since I have two children, and I know what to advocate for to represent the community’s best interests. Being the first "patient" Chair, I want to continue to ensure that our objectives for the board are met while always keeping the patients' care and needs in mind.”
Her first message to the PH community is to reach out, especially during these stressful and isolating times. “PHA Canada is always here for you – in good times and in bad.” She encourages PH patients and their families to access the supports they need to be well and stay safe.
Prior to her diagnosis, Nicole worked as an elementary school teacher for 12 years, but had to stop working because of her condition. She resides in Cambridge, Ontario with her husband, Darren, and two young daughters, Carys and Paisley.
PHA Canada is proud to announce the appointment of the following Officers to serve alongside Ms. Dempsey:
Dr. Lisa Mielniczuk (Ottawa, ON) – Co-Vice-Chair
Ed Rathonyi (Vancouver, BC) – Co-Vice-Chair
John Pettifor (Vancouver, BC) – Treasurer
Learn more about PHA Canada’s Board of Directors here:phacanada.ca/board
Background
About Pulmonary Hypertension
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare and very complex lung disease, which is progressive and potentially fatal. PH is defined by high blood pressure in the lungs, which leads to enlargement and weakness of the right-side of the heart—a serious type of heart failure. PH can strike people of all backgrounds, ages, and genders. While there is currently no cure for PH, thanks to available treatments, many patients are living longer, healthier lives.
About the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada (PHA Canada)
PHA Canada is a federally registered charity whose mission is to empower the Canadian pulmonary hypertension community through support, education, advocacy, awareness, and research. PHA Canada has been working to better the lives of Canadians affected by pulmonary hypertension since 2008.
For more information, please visitphacanada.ca
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