May: Nonprofit Spotlight!
Super Brave (Kids)
May 5th is World Pulmonary Hypertension Day. Even though we are getting this shirt out on May 1st. Spreading awareness of Pulmonary hypertension among kids throughout the month (and year) is needed for people to understand the severity of it.
Super Brave was founded by Chloe Temtchine. Pulmonary Hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs. In 2013, Chloe suffered from congested right-heart failure right before she was set to go on tour. To say this stopped her from pursuing her life, would be a lie. She created a system of 5 key principles: Nutritional Lifestyle, Exercise, Mindset, Creative Expression, Family & Friends. She has continued to beat the odds that the doctors gave her, even with an oxygen tank by her side.
Chloe knew she could do more so started Super Brave, an organization based on empowering kids with PH. Chloe is spreading such a beautiful message by interviewing kids with PH and by traveling to hospital after hospital, instilling hope within the community.
In 2018, my cousin, Parker, was diagnosed with severe Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension. This has been an adjustment for Parker, along with my aunt, uncle, and cousins. Right now, I don't know if Parker sees all of the strength and courage he has but him and all the kids who suffer with this disease are inspiring. He continues to push through and enjoy life despite the odds.
The biggest thing that we can do as a community is talk about it, spread the word, and push for the kids to feel included. PH is an extremely rare disease so we need to talk about it now. Teens suffering from PH have a higher suicidal rate due to exclusion and isolation. Parents are concerned for their children as they grow up because of the exclusion. Something to keep in mind is the amount of treatment children have to go through but there aren’t a lot of methods. Children with PH may have to be on oxygen, IVs, and the handful of medications they can have.
After talking to my Aunt, I learned that the word “hope” is often used within the community of families of children with PH. It just made sense to have a periwinkle shirt with “include. hope”.
To Parker and all of the kids suffering with PH, this one's for you.
Super Brave Website:
https://www.superbraveme.com/the-hub