Share Your Journey and Story

You can share any or all aspects of your life as a person touched by pulmonary hypertension. As you share your story, think about what others in the community can learn from your experience - especially newly diagnosed patients. Thank you for sharing your story! Email ColleenRyan@PHAssociation.org to share your PH story with a picture.

Chicagoland Support Group

PHA is bringing together patients and caregivers in the Chicagoland area. Join us in celebrating a successful year and the PH community! The afternoon will include speakers Carl Hicks, PHA Executive Vice President, and Kayla Morrison, PHA National Support Group Senior Associate. The event will also include an inspiring presentation from Beverly George highlighting Team PHenomenal Hope's Race Across America.

Who: PH patients +1 caregiver
When: Dec. 13, 2014, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Maggiano's Little Italy
240 Oakbrook Ctr. Oak Brook, IL 60523

Please RSVP by Dec. 8: Any questions, comments or concerns please contact Rebekah Marquez
(RebekahMarquez@PHAssociation.org) or 855-932-7255 ext. 7

Events for Awareness Month

We have two events going on this month for PH Awareness Month in our chapter area. Learn more and join us for some periwinkle fun.

Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014: PH Awareness Conference and Luncheon Novi, Michigan

Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014: O₂ breathe Hearts PHor Hope Gala

Please Take This Short Survey

As a key member of the PH community we are asking for your input - please take this short 3-4 minute survey about your involvement and interests to help PHA expand in 2015! Everyone who completes the survey by Nov. 24, 2014 will be entered in a drawing for some special PHA items.

Thank you for being part of the PHight!

Sincerely,

Geoff Gephart
Executive Director
PHA Midwest Chapter

It's Time to Celebrate!

Thanks to you we've had two very successful events this month! Read all about them and view photos below.

Our inaugural Greater Detroit O₂ breathe 10K, 5K Run and Fun Walk was Sunday, Sept. 7 in Shelby Township, Mich. We had over 200 participants and have raised more than $30,000! You can still fundraise for Greater Detroit O₂ breathe, donations will be accepted until Oct. 26.

Thank you to all participants, sponsors and donors for this fantastic inaugural event! If you're interested in viewing event pictures, please visit Greater Detroit O₂ breathe, you will be able to purchase event photos online.

The Second Annual Steps for Stripes, An O₂ breathe Fun Walk took place on Sunday, Sept. 14 in Brookfield, Wis.

With over 80 participants and a few furry friends, we have raised close to $18,000! You can still fundraise for Steps for Stripes; donations will be accepted until Nov. 1. Thank you to the committee members for helping to make this event a great success!

We're Running a Marathon!

Michelle and Patrick Farley are running for Katie

On Sunday, Oct. 12, runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries will set out to accomplish a personal dream by reaching the finish line in Grant Park at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon.

PHA's Team O₂ breathe will cross the finish line not only fulfilling their dreams but also having helped raise awareness and funds to support PHA's programs and services for the PH community. Thanks to their dedication and hard work, Team O₂ breathe has already raised more than $20,000!

Introducing Team O₂ breathe...

• Michelle Farley
• Patrick Farley
• Chris Kloepfer
• Anthony Piatek
• Susy Schwede

PHA Midwest Chapter will have a cheering section for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon – Charity Block Party. If you are interested in cheering with PHA at the Charity Block Party on Oct. 12, please join us! Can't make it? Support the team here

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook! We will be live tweeting and posting with Bank of America Chicago Marathon updates and pictures.

You're Invited to PHA's Midwest Gala

"Sickler is an engaging storyteller."

Comedian Ryan Sickler (right) is joining PHA Midwest at our Hearts PHor Hope Gala in November! Come join us on Saturday, Nov. 22 for a night of laughter, entertainment and auction to support the PH community at our first O₂ breathe Hearts PHor Hope Gala. Ryan will share stories about family, friends and comedy. The evening will be emceed by CBS 2 Chicago reporter Dana Koslov.

As part of this event, we're excited to be honoring Stuart Rich, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine with the 2014 Heart PHor Hope Legacy award.

Who: PHA Midwest and the PH community
What: Chicago Hearts PHor Hope Gala
Where: Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel - Grand Ballroom
When: Saturday, Nov. 22 starting at 6 p.m.

The Gala will bring together the PH community to celebrate the accomplishments and advances made in the PH field, while honoring those that made these advances possible. Register today to reserve your table!

If you can't join us, please donate to PHA.

Greater Detroit O2 breathe Event Smashing Success

We had such a great turnout for our PHA Midwest Chapter inaugural event in greater Detroit at Stoney Creek Metro Park! Thank you donors, sponsors, team captains, volunteers and participants for making this a wonderful event! We had over 200 participants join us and help raise over $30,000!

Check out the photos

Join Our Next O2 breathe Event in Indiana!

"I have learned to live with pulmonary hypertension, accepting and adjusting, but still trying to live a productive life, not knowing the outcome. I still have hope for the future."

Jeanette Morrill (right) has hope for her future with pulmonary hypertension. PHA empowers those who have pulmonary hypertension by having opportunities to get involved with support groups and events throughout the nation! The O2 breathe events help spread hope to patients and supporters.

Who: PHA Midwest and the PH community
What: Indianapolis O2 breathe Walk
Where: Fishers, Ind., located at The Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens
When: Saturday, Oct. 4

Register now

If you can't join us, donate to PHA.

Purchase Your Raffle Tickets!

The Indianapolis Support Group raffle will include zebra wood carvings and a handmade PH quilt (right). The donations will be given to the Indianapolis O₂ breathe Walk.

Purchase your tickets now  to have the chance to win these great items!

1 ticket for $5
5 tickets for $20

Online sales will end Oct .1 and the winner will be announced on Saturday, Oct. 4.

2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Anthony Piatek ran the marathon
in 2013 in memory of his mother,
PH patient Mary Jo Piatek

The PHA Midwest Chapter is excited to be an official Affiliate Charity Partner for the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon! Team O₂ breathe will run in 2014 to raise PH awareness and funds for a cure.

PHA Midwest will have a cheering section on October 12 at the Charity Block Party around the halfway point of the race. If anyone is interested in more details to join in supporting Team O₂ breathe please contact us at 855-932-7255 x4 or JoinMidwest@PHAssociation.org.

We currently have 7 members on Team O₂ breathe and they are going strong with training and fundraising.

Learn more

The official training sponsor for Team O₂ Breathe in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon is
CES (Chicago Endurance Sports)

Get Your Raffle Tickets for PH Quilt!

The Indianapolis PH Support Group will be doing a raffle drawing at their upcoming O₂ breathe walk for zebra wood carvings and a handmade PH quilt. One ticket is $5 and a set of five is $20. Online sales end Oct. 1.

Purchase your raffle tickets now

Join SELFLESS

You can help PHA by making a monthly donation through SELFLESS, and get rewarded for doing so by having instant access to hundreds of "Perks" from Chicago businesses that you can use over and over! Furthermore, as a SELFLESS member, you can make one-time donations, large or small, with 100% going to the Cause. Also, members enjoy SELFLESS news and ongoing events in Chicago!

Inaugural Event in Indianapolis Oct. 4

Help us kick off our inaugural event by starting your own team for the Indianapolis O₂ breathe Walk that will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 in Fishers, Ind.

• Start a team - Participating in our O₂ breathe events are always more fun as a team. Make sure you forward this email to your family, friends and coworkers to ask them to join you in the fight for a cure!
• Join a team - Participate in the O₂ breathe walk by joining a team already formed.
• Sign up as an individual - Sign up to walk in the fight against pulmonary hypertension.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, all the teams will share the common goal of helping find a cure for pulmonary hypertension. If you can't join us, donate to PHA.

Sponsorship is available for the event; please contact MarcieHoffmann@PHAssociation.org or call our office at 855-932-7255 x4.

Glow with PHA Sept. 27

Join us at dusk on Saturday, Sept. 27, to keep the flame glowing at our first night walk for pulmonary hypertension! Our O₂ breathe events are a great way to raise awareness and gain support for the pulmonary hypertension community.

The O₂ Glow walk will include special neon elements, luminaries, "glow" dance party and more surprises.
Help us kick off our night event by starting your own team! Start a team today with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers!

If you can't join us, donate to PHA.

Sponsorship is available for the event; please contact MarcieHoffmann@PHAssociation.org or call our office at 855-932-7255 x4.

Vote for Anthony!

Anthony Piatek runs marathons for the pulmonary hypertension cause in memory of his mother, including leading our Midwest Chapter's team in the Chicago Marathon. He is competing to be on the cover of Runner's World.

Read more about Anthony and donate to his page | Vote for Anthony (scroll down for voting)

Take a Step for Pulmonary Hypertension

Help us kick off our event by starting your own team at Steps for Stripes, an O₂ breathe Walk in Brookfield, Wis.!

On Sunday, Sept. 14, all the teams will share the common goal of helping find a cure for pulmonary hypertension.

• Start your team - Participating in our O₂ breathe events are always more fun as a team. Make sure you forward this email to your family, friends and coworkers, and ask them to join you to finish the fight.
• Join a team – Participate in Steps for Stripes by joining a team already formed.
• Sign up as an individual - Sign up today to step out for Stripes.

If you can't join us, donate to PHA.

Sponsorship is available for the event; please contact MarcieHoffmann@PHAssociation.org or call our office at 855-932-7255 x4.

Movin' into Motown!

Help us kick off our inaugural event by starting your own team for the Greater Detroit O2 breathe 10K, 5K Run and Fun Walk that will be taking place in September!

• Start a team - Participating in our O2 breathe events are always more fun as a team. Make sure you forward this email to your family, friends and coworkers to ask them to join in the fight for a cure!
• Join a team - Participate in the O2 breathe walk by joining a team already formed.
• Sign up as an individual - Sign up to in the fight against pulmonary hypertension.

On Sunday, Sept. 7, all teams will share the common goal of helping find a cure for pulmonary hypertension! If you can't join us, donate to PHA.

Sponsorship is available for the event; please email MarcieHoffmann@PHAssociation.org or call our office at 855-932-7255 x4.

Glow at PHA Night Walk!

Join us at dusk on Saturday, Sept. 27 to keep the flame glowing at our first night walk for pulmonary hypertension! Our O₂ breathe events are a great way to raise awareness and gain support for the pulmonary hypertension community.

The O₂ Glow walk will include special neon elements, luminaries, "glow" dance party and more surprises.
Help us kick off our night event by starting your own team. Start a team today with family, friends, neighbors or co-workers.

If you can't join us, donate to PHA.

Sponsorship is available for the event; please contact us or call our office at 855-932-7255 x4.

Come Paint with PHA

Come join PHA at Terra Bistro in Evanston, Ill., on Thursday, July 24 for a Wine and Canvas painting night! Wine and Canvas offers step-by-step instructions to replicate a painting. By the end of the evening, you will have created a beautiful piece of artwork to take home! A portion of the registration fee from this fun evening will be donated to Pulmonary Hypertension Association Midwest Chapter.

Sign up soon to reserve your spot!

Save the Date for our 1st Annual Gala!

PHA Midwest invites you to join us at the first O2 breathe Hearts PHor Hope Gala Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. As part of this event, we're excited to announce that Stuart Rich, MD, Clinical Professor of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medicine will be receiving the 2014 Heart PHor Hope Legacy Award.

The Gala will bring together the PH community to celebrate the accomplishments and advances made in the PH field, while honoring those that made these advances possible.

This special evening will include an educational presentation, entertainment and auction in support of PHA’s efforts.

Registration will be open soon! Tickets are $125 per person or $1,250 per table of ten. Sponsorship tables are available at $2,500 and up.

To ensure you are on the mailing list for the Chicago Hearts PHor Hope Gala, please send PHA your full name and mailing address to JoinMidwest@phassociation.org by June 30, 2014.

Sponsorship is available for the event; please contact us or call our office at 855-932-7255 x4.

Take a Swing at PH This Friday!

PHA Midwest Chapter invites you to a fun-filled day of golf at our 2014 Chicago O2 breathe Golf Outing.

The event will be held at the Countryside Golf Club – Traditional course in Mundelein, Ill.

• Did you know… With the notable exception of time-based racing games, golf is the only professionally played sport in which the lowest score wins. Let’s lower your score and raise the bar for PHA!
• The event will raise awareness about pulmonary hypertension (PH),  raise funds for research, and provide support and education for the PH community. Every $100 gift covers the cost of PHA's Patient-to-Patient Support Line for a month, and each $250 gift covers the cost associated with alerting 1,000 patients of the opportunity to attend a support group meeting in their area!
• Register now to reserve your spot on the green!

The day will begin with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start and will include a continental breakfast, box lunch, games and prizes such as Golfsmith gift cards and a drawing for a chance to take a 50-foot putt and win $2,500!
The Hole in One grand prize are two tickets to the 2015 Masters Tournament, including round-trip airfare for two, accommodations, and spending cash!

Sponsorships are available for the event; please contact us or call our office at 855-932-7255 x4.

PHA Receives Eleventh Consecutive Four-Star Charity Rating

In 2014, for the eleventh consecutive year, PHA received a Four Star rating from Charity Navigator, the premier evaluator of charities in the United States. This designation indicates that PHA "adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way," according to Charity Navigator.

"Less than 1% of the charities we rate have received at least 11 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that [the] Pulmonary Hypertension Association outperforms most other charities in America. This 'exceptional' designation differentiates the Pulmonary Hypertension Association from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust."

View PHA's Charity Navigator listing | Read letter from Charity Navigator's President (PDF)

PHA Team Climbs 31 Flights of Stairs

Team PHA took “flight” at the Fight for Air Climb on Sunday, Feb. 9 at Oakbrook Terrace Tower in Oakbrook, Ill. They showed their support while climbing 31 flights of stairs!

Rosanne Huber was the Team PHA Captain and organizer for the Fight for Air Climb. She formed a team of friends and family to participate on behalf of PHA. Rosanne was able to utilize her Lantos Grant to obtain an information booth for PHA Midwest Chapter. While spreading awareness, Team PHA climbed to the top and came in 6th place overall!

Along with the Feb. 9 event, this opportunity has allowed the Midwest Chapter to secure a booth at the 2014 Healthy Lung Expo on May 2, in Oakbrook, Ill.

We Have a Few Questions For You

1. Are you interested in expanding your professional and social network while making a significant difference in the PH community?Join our young professional group called Flames of Light! This group of individuals is made up of motivated, energetic young professionals in the Chicagoland area who will plan events for PHA. We encourage members to get involved and make a difference by becoming active participants in the professional and social aspects of the PH community.
2. Want to get involved with our new Endurance Program?Grab your shoes and get started! We have been officially accepted into the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon Charity Program – we need you to run with our team on Oct. 12, 2014. Contact Colleen Ryan ASAP to reserve your spot! We are also looking for participants interested in the Chicago Triathlon, Aug. 24, 2014. Let us know today if you’ve got the endurance to get moving for PHA!
3. How do you stay connected with PHA Midwest chapter?Let’s get social! There are several ways to stay connected with PHA. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. You can find updates on events, read new articles with PHA and interact with others who support PHA.
4. Want to take on a more active role in an upcoming PHA event?We have a committee for you! With all of our 2014 events, we need your help – sign up to join a committee for one of our walks, golf, gala and more!

Please email Colleen Ryan for more information on how to get involved!

Help Carry the Torch for PHA Midwest Chapter!

The XXII Olympic Winter Games kicked off this week, and PHA is excited to light the flame to kick off our events this year! It’s easy to join the team by participating in events, volunteering your time and even hosting your own fundraiser.

The Midwest Chapter is excited to build upon the participation we currently have to grow and support our PH community. We look forward to you carrying the torch and celebrating team successes in support of PHA. Thank you for your support while we keep the torch burning and bring home the gold for pulmonary hypertension!

Upcoming Events

Play PHor A Cure APA 8 Ball Tournament
Springfield, Ill., March 8

ROOL Spin Class - An Evening of "Wine-ing"
Northbrook, Ill., March 13

St. Louis Area Support Group Trivia Night
Maryland Heights, Mo., March 28

View more events

PHA Midwest - Join us in Indianapolis

PHA's 2014 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions

Join us this June in Indianapolis!

PHA's 2014 International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions will take place June 20-22, at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis, Ind. Conference is the largest gathering of the PH community in the world and includes patients, caregivers, medical professionals, researchers and friends coming together for three days of education and networking.

We hope to see you there! Learn more and register

Come Out and Meet the Chapter Team!

PHA Midwest - State of the Chapter Presentation

The Midwest Chapter is happy to be offering a State of the Chapter Presentation at the Elmhurst Support Group. Please join us to meet the Midwest Chapter team and learn how you can be involved! Learn about the different ways to support our PH community by volunteering your time, participating in Chapter events or creating your own fundraiser! This Saturday will be an opportunity to take the first step - we hope to see you there.

     Geoff Gephart                                       Marcie Hoffman                                     Colleen Ryan

 

 

Learn More About PH & PHA's Midwest Chapter 
Saturday, Feb. 8, 12-3 p.m.

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital
155 E. Brush Hill Rd., Elmhurst, IL
[MC Hawthorne Room LL]
Park in GREEN lot, use EAST Entrance & take elevator to LL

RSVP by Feb. 5 to Chuck, 708-780-0404 or Benita Kosiara, 630-942-9588
IL-Elmhurst@PHASupportGroups.org

Refreshments will be provided by United Therapeutics.

Heart Failure and PH Seminar

If you are near the Springfield, Ill., area there will be a seminar next week on heart failure and pulmonary hypertension at the Springfield Clinic. Dr. Singla will talk about the warning signs of heart failure and what can be done to treat it.

Learn more and register

The Year Ahead

"I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." - Mother Teresa

As 2014 begins, we wanted to take this opportunity to start our own ripples here in the Midwest. The Midwest Chapter is the local arm of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, and we are proud to serve this vibrant community as PHA headquarters' "boots on the ground."

The role of the chapter is to assist in spreading PH awareness while helping to fund the vital patient and family services that PHA provides. The Chapter is here to serve and support the Midwest community, and we ask each and every one of you to help us create our ripples in 2014; here is a look at what's already in the works:

EVENT CALENDAR

ROOL Spin Class - An Evening of "Wine-ing"

Northbrook, Ill.

March 13

Play PHor A Cure APA 8 Ball Tournament

Springfield, Ill.

March 8

St. Louis Area Support Group Trivia Night

Maryland Heights, Mo.

March 28

ROOL Spin Class - "Java and Jam"

Northbrook, Ill.

April 12

O2 breathe Stride for a Cure 5k

Glencoe, Ill.

May 4

Take a Breath for PH

DeWitt, Mich.

May 10

Chicago O2 breathe Golf Event

Mundelein, Ill.

June 6

ROOL Spin Class - "Java and Jam"

Northbrook, Ill.

June 14

Steps for Stripes, an O2 breathe Event

Brookfield, Wis.

Sept. 14

Chicago O2 breathe Walk

Palatine, Ill.

Sept. 27

Bank of America Chicago Marathon

Chicago, Ill.

Oct. 12

Chicago PH Gala

Chicago, Ill.

Oct. 25

Please do not hesitate to contact us with ideas on how you would like to make your ripple; we are here to assist you in supporting your fundraising efforts and ideas while asking for your help and involvement with the plans already underway. Together we can make a major impact in the PH community!

Warmest regards,
PHA Midwest Chapter Team

Geoff Gephart, Executive Director

Marcie Hoffmann, Development Director