The Pulmonary Hypertension Association’s History
From simple beginnings – four women who met around a kitchen table in Florida in 1990 – the Pulmonary Hypertension Association has evolved into a community of well over 10,000 pulmonary hypertension patients, caregivers, family members and medical professionals.
As we have grown, we have stayed true to our roots and the vision and ingenuity of our founders: We continue to work every day to end the isolation that PH patients face, and find a cure for pulmonary hypertension.
Our History
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The Early Days (pre-1990)
In 1985, there were only 187 known patients in the U.S. with pulmonary hypertension. PH patient Dorothy Olson set out to find others with the disease and finally connected with three other patients in Florida. Together, they founded the first PH support group and what would eventually become the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. Read more
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Founding Our Community (1990-1999)
In May 1990, the founders printed the first issue of Pathlight and sent the newsletter to all known patients and doctors who treated pulmonary hypertension. As the network of patients, caregivers and medical professionals grew, PHA evolved from a local support group in Florida to an organization with national reach. Read more
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A Period of Rapid Development (1999-present)
PHA’s development accelerated with the hiring of our first staff member in 1999. With programs and services expanding to serve the needs of the growing population of patients, caregivers and PH-focused medical professionals, PHA has also become an international hub for the PH community. Read more
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The Future of PHA
Our ultimate goal is to find a cure for pulmonary hypertension. We are empowered by the hope for that cure as we continue to build our community and provide more programs and services for those whose lives have been touched by PH.
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Additional Information
In the Words of our Founders
“PHA’s history is driven by a commitment to succeed beyond our numbers. It is the continuing story of what patients, family members and medical professionals are able to do to change the history of a disease.”
– Rino Aldrighetti, PHA’s president and first staff member |
The PHA Story: A short history of PHA (PDF)
- written by Dorothy Olson, Pat Paton, Judy Simpson and Bonnie Dukart
A detailed history of PHA 1987-1999 (PDF)
- written by Gail Boyer Hayes, author of Pulmonary Hypertension: A Patient's Survival Guide
Read more about the Leaders Who Shaped the History of PH...
State of PHA: An Annual Update from PHA President Rino Aldrighetti
Watch recordings from this annual webinar: