In August of 2025 I brought our (then 11 year old) daughter, Alena, to the pediatrician because she was having difficulty walking across a parking lot without getting out of breath and holding her hand over her heart because of how rapid it was beating. I thought maybe she had low iron or needed her asthma medications adjusted. After a chest X-ray we were immediately sent to the Emergency Room because of an enlarged heart and right ventricle heart failure. We were completely caught off guard.

Our hospital was not equipped to handle her case so we were life flighted to Utah where many tests were run and medications prescribed. She was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Right ventricle heart failure. After three weeks in the hospital she was allowed to continue treatment from home. Treatment that includes oral medications, supplemental oxygen as needed and subcutaneous medication to help repair and maintain the health of her lungs and heart. Her heart has begun to shows signs of improvement, allowing the left ventricle to be less stressed and the right ventricle to resume squeezing.
 

This health journey is long, with many doctors appointments, some out of town, phone calls to the specialty pharmacies, hoping and praying. But we are grateful for every encouraging doctors’ visit that shows even the slightest improvement. And appreciate every day Alena is able to enjoy.