The PHA International Conference gives the PH community a chance to gather together for a common cause, share stories and learn about PH. In order to make sure no one misses out on Conference due to financial reasons, PHA facilitates several scholarship opportunities for patients in need. These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of those who contribute to the Conference Scholarship Fund.

In 2006, PHA awarded over $100,000 in scholarships, which allowed more than 120 patients needing support to attend Conference. In 2008, PHA hopes to continue this tradition. Our goal is to make sure that no patient who wants to attend this life-changing event is held back for financial reasons.

For more information on scholarships for the 2008 PHA International Conference please contact Jennie at Scholarship@PHAssociation.org or 301-565-3004 x123.

We look forward to seeing you in Houston at the 2008 PHA International Conference!

You can help others take A Journey of Hope and Discovery by contributing to the PHA Conference Scholarship Fund. For more information on donating to the Conference Scholarship Fund, and the various types of scholarships offered please visit our Scholarship Fund Opportunities page.

Supported at a minimum contribution of $15,000, Community of Hope Scholarship Funds represent the backbone of PHA’s Conference Scholarship program. At our 2006 Conference – thanks to the Community of Hope Scholarship Funds – the number of patients who received scholarships more than doubled scholarship recipients in 2004. We are well on our way to continue the trend this year thanks to the generous support of the following contributors:

• The Gilead Community of Hope Fund
• The Pfizer Community of Hope Fund
• The Tammy Hazen Community of Hope Fund
• The Actelion Community of Hope Fund
• Rochester, MN Gala Community of Hope Fund
  

Supported at a minimum contribution of $1,200, Tribute Scholarships give contributors the option to honor or remember a loved one. Such generosity and support gives a fellow member of the PH community the opportunity to embark on his or her own “Journey of Discovery and Hope”.

• The Dorothy and Harry Olson Tribute Scholarship, contributed by Jackie Holt
• The Heather Massey Memorial Scholarship, contributed by John E. Nino (2 scholarships)
• The Bonnie Dukart Memorial Scholarship, contributed by Dale Smith
• United Therapeutics Scholarships (6 scholarships)
• The Nathan Matuszewicz Tribute Scholarships (10 scholarships)
• Scholarship Fund for California Residents (4 scholarships), contributed by the UCSD One Mile Walk for Fun, organized by Sandee Lombardi

Funded by larger donations, endowed Scholarship Funds provide ongoing funding for patient scholarships for current and future Conferences through interest payments.

• Barbara L. Smith Scholarship Endowment Fund
  Barbara L. Smith, a PH patient and PHA Board Member, worked tirelessly on behalf of the organization. After her passing in 2005, The Barbara L. Smith Scholarship Endowment Fund was established in 2006 by S&S Electric Company, Inc. and Vern L. Smith and Family in her honor.

Any donation to the Scholarship Fund helps to make patients’ hopes of attending Conference a reality.