Rare Disease Community Continues Abundant Support of 5K

PITTSBURGH, April 9, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- For the sixth consecutive year, members of the pulmonary hypertension community are gearing up for the PHenomenal Hope 5K. On Saturday, April 27, runners and walkers alike will line up to not only to race, but to bring awareness and funds to support the mission of nonprofit Team PHenomenal Hope.

PH is a rare disease that causes high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which puts unnecessary stress on both the heart and then lungs. Currently, there is no cure, and, eventually, it can be fatal. One of the most aggressive symptoms of the disease is shortness of breath, which prevents patients from being able to do ordinary things, such as climbing the stairs, without becoming exhausted.

Coming back for her second year organizing the event, race director Kayla Frattini is planning for another successful year. "We strive to make this event as exciting as possible for our participants, while educating them on pulmonary hypertension. In 2019, we are excited to welcome a post-transplant, PH phighter to speak to our participants and bring to life just what we are fighting for with this event. It is definitely an exciting time for our organization."

Race day will kick off with registration and check-in at 8:30 a.m. at Riverfront Park, North Shore in Pittsburgh, followed by a 1/2 mile Kids' Race at 9:30. The 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk begin at 10 a.m. Heinz Field Boat Launch is the start/finish line for all races, with the flat course winding along North Shore Riverfront Trail. Awards for the 5K Run will fall into gender and age categories. This is a great event whether it's your first 5K or you're a seasoned runner. In addition to the race, there will also a lot of family-friendly activities and many ways to win prizes, from a balloon artist and face painting to a raffle for some amazing prize baskets, all for a great cause.

According to Pulmonologist Patricia George, sporting events like the 5K Run are ideal platforms to draw attention to life-threatening diseases such as pulmonary hypertension.

"We promote using endurance sports both to educate people about PH, a progressive, terminal condition, and the need for a cure, as well as to inspire others to rally to this cause," said George, co-founder of Team PHenomenal Hope. "I was one of the original four bike racers on Team PH, and it was friends, teammates and people like Kayla who inspired me to help organize and found our non profit in 2012."

Frattini echoes George's sentiment. "The response from our community has been amazing. While I may be the one organizing this event, it is the support of our community that truly makes this event such a success. Together, we can all make a positive change for those living with pulmonary hypertension. I am so excited to see what we will accomplish in 2019."

For more information, to register for the race, or to donate to the cause, go to http://www.phenomenalhope5k.com. Visit teamphenomenalhope.org to learn more about Team PHenomenal Hope.

SOURCE Team PHenomenal Hope

Related Links

teamphenomenalhope.org