SUPPORTING RESEARCH AND AWARENESS

After watching what my wife Maureen went through for five and a half years, and ultimately losing her, I made my choice to make PHA my primary mission.

Although I have twice survived cancer, it’s different when you lose someone you love to a disease such as PH.

I support PHA with my time and money because there are so many unanswered questions about PH. If my children choose to support cancer research in my honor in the future, that is their choice, but I have settled on PHA.

My wife Maureen was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension in 2012. In hindsight, Maureen had earlier signs of PH; we just didn’t know it.

Maureen went from being a highenergy, fun-loving person to someone who had difficulty taking a breath. When Maureen was eventually put on oxygen, we thought that life was over. We had to get used to having the oxygenator in our room running every night, and it became a way of life for us.

We were determined to live life as normally as possible while adjusting to the new things we needed to do for her health. We did that, but on December 20, 2017, Maureen passed away. We scattered her ashes along the beach in Ireland we loved so much.

The Pulmonary Hypertension Association has helped me in my grief by introducing me to wonderful people, including those with the Jacksonville Support Group. I also became involved with PHA’s monthly bereavement telephone support group. I offer my perspective and experience as a caregiver.

My contributions are small compared to the big picture of what is necessary. I know that I can play a part in the research and development of a cure for PH, as well as raising awareness.

Mike Lentz of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, became involved in the Pulmonary Hypertension Association after his wife Maureen’s death. He raises money, participates in support groups and serves on the PHA Finance Committee. In 2023, he was named to the PHA Board of Trustees.