About Us

The Toronto Chapter was formed by a volunteer group of patients, families and caregivers in the Fall of 2008. Patients found each other through a pulmonary hypertension group on Facebook and got together at a local coffee shop. They shared and exchanged stories of how PH has affected their lives and how they deal with it. It was amazing to see how each person had a different story yet they could still relate to how each other felt. Strong bonds were immediately formed.

Since there had been no local support for people affected by PH in the Greater Toronto Area, they decided to formalize a support group to help fight back against the disease with the help of the national organization - PHA Canada. Today, the support group meets on a regular basis. With its the tremendous success, the Toronto support group became PHA Canada's first official chapter. Aside from providing support to each other, the Toronto Chapter plans to educate and fundraise to expand awareness of the disease to the public and healthcare professionals.

Members Profiles

Frank is one of the support group organizers and is the Toronto Chapter's liaison with PHA Canada. He first found out about Pulmonary Hypertension when his good friend Loretta was diagnosed in August 2006. He refuses to let her deal with the disease without as much support as possible and has become extremely passionate about building up the local PH community. He has found a lot of strength and support through the many new friends he has met from the PHA Toronto Chapter. He's inspired everyday by the powerful bonds that can be formed by bringing together people who are going through the same adversity. He's constantly thinking of new ways to bring together people affected by PH and help them overcome the disease. So if you have any cool ideas let him know! He can be reached at frank@phatoronto.ca.

Loretta is a co-leader of the Toronto Chapter. She was diagnosed with PH in August 2006, after experiencing severe shortness of breath, chest pains and fatigue. She is constantly reminded that she has PH, as it affects every aspect of her life. With the help of her family, friends, and especially the Support Group, she has a more positive outlook and is motivated to improve her quality of life. She continues to work full-time and tries to lead a normal life as much as possible. She is so glad to have met the people who understand and can relate to her situation. She hopes that the Support Group will benefit others the way it has for her and continues to help spread awareness for this terrible disease. She can be reached at loretta@phatoronto.ca.

Awareness and Fundraising Committee