Pulmonary hypertension has been diagnosed in more than 100,000 Americans and may be misdiagnosed in thousands more, unless there is more awareness in the community. That’s why the need for expanded public education — above all — sets the tone for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s Phenomenal Hope for a Cure brunch and auction on Saturday.
The event will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Happy Hollow Country Club, 1701 S. 105th St. The auction will be both silent and oral. Tickets are $25 per person.
Nebraska’s first lady, Sally Ganem, is the honorary chairperson and keynote speaker. Mike Kelly, renowned columnist for the Omaha World-Herald, will serve as master of ceremonies.
In addition, there will be short presentations by two of Omaha’s pulmonary physicians — Austin B. Thompson, M.D., associate professor in UNMC’s Department of Internal Medicine-Pulmonary; and Dan Schuller, M.D., Creighton University Medical Center associate professor of medicine and chief of Creighton’s Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine Division.
The event will honor pulmonary hypertension patients in the greater Omaha area by raising funds and increasing awareness of this condition.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex health problem of the lungs. There is a continuous high blood pressure in the pulmonary artery in the lungs, resulting in an enlarged heart, which may lose the ability to pump. The disease affects people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds and is often misdiagnosed.
Due to the common misdiagnoses, it is common for PH not to be recognized until the disease is quite advanced, making it harder to treat.
The early symptoms of PH may include chest pain, breathlessness, low energy, dizziness, fainting, swollen ankles and legs, and bluish lips and skin. One problem is that these conditions can often be attributed to many other disorders. These symptoms also significantly impair a PH patient’s ability to lead a normal life.
Annette Markin is living with pulmonary hypertension and also one of the organizers of the fundraiser. She taught in the Millard School District for more than 25 years before being diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension.
She was diagnosed with the disease in July 2005, but was misdiagnosed several times in the preceding two years.
“The number one thing we hope to accomplish with this fundraiser is public awareness,” Markin said. “Raising funds to help find a cure is extremely important, but for me the money takes a backseat. The more people we can reach and educate in the greater Omaha area, the more people who can be properly diagnosed.
“An early diagnoses means better treatment, which in turn means that these people have a chance to continue living their normal lives for as long as possible. Any money we are able to raise will be great, but raising awareness is my main hope.”
Monetary donations and items for the silent auction will be accepted from anyone wishing to contribute. Tables for the event are available for $500, $1,000 or $2,500. Sponsorships may be paid by check to PHA and mailed directly to Paula Eastman at 15212 Dorcas Circle, Omaha, NE 68144.
The Pulmonary Hypertension Association is a 501(c) (3) tax-exempt organization. Contributions are deductible to the full extent allowable by law.
For more information about the benefit, contact Kathie Starkweather at 402-617-7946 or kathie_starkweather@hotmail.com. For more information about pulmonary hypertension, visit the association’s Web site at www.phassociation.org.