About the People Who Give
Mother of Long-Term Survivor Looks to future
There were few resources available for PH patients when Blossom Gelernter’s daughter Lise was diagnosed with PH in 1978. Blossom first became involved with PHA in the 1990’s, when the young organization was run entirely by volunteers.
Blossom finds it very gratifying to see how PHA has grown to reach out to new constituencies, involve the medical community and fund research. For this reason, she has been a loyal supporter of PHA for many years. She plans to continue to help PHA to expand its reach until a cure is found.
In 2000, Lise and Blossom traveled together to PHA’s 4th International Conference in Chicago. Blossom found it very heartening to see how involved the physicians were involved with the conference, sharing knowledge in order to improve patient care and volunteering their time to help patients learn more about PH.
Thanks in part to an early diagnosis, Lise has benefited from treatment and is able to minimize the impact that PH has on her life. As a result, Blossom says her relationship with her daughter has not been defined by worry; instead, she plays a supportive role as Lise educates herself about PH and manages her health.
