Hi, I’m Robert, and in today’s Pep Talk we’re speaking with Mike Garrett, a husband, caregiver and athlete supporting Team Phenomenal Hope, a nonprofit organisation that provides patient‑centric programmes and educational resources to those living with pulmonary hypertension. Mike is going to tell us how he uses speed‑skating to raise awareness and funds for pulmonary hypertension.
My name is Michael Garrett, and my wife was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension in December 2017. Ever since she was diagnosed, I felt I needed to do something more, but at that time I was working long hours in refineries—often seven 12‑hour shifts and even 16‑hour days—so I didn’t have time to raise awareness. Since I was promoted, I’ve been able to help out, and with my son getting older, we now have time to do that together.
I actually got into speed‑skating because of our son. It all started when he attended a birthday party at our local skating rink and loved it. He wanted to go back every weekend. Eventually, we discovered that the rink had a speed‑skating team. I asked if he’d like to give it a try, and we reached out to the coach and took him to his first practice. He was understandably nervous and a little shy at first, but after a few sessions he came out of his shell and started having a blast.
After he’d been skating for a while, he asked me to skate with him. At first I was hesitant, but I realised it could be a powerful and unique way to raise awareness for pulmonary hypertension. Of course, I talked it over with my wife. It came with risk, and I still needed to support our family. After some discussion, we both agreed that skating could be a meaningful way to spark curiosity and conversation about pulmonary hypertension. Combining our passion for skating with a mission that means so much to me has been both rewarding and inspiring.
Teaming up with Team Phenomenal Hope has been an incredible experience. They’re professional yet down‑to‑earth, and it’s been a lot of fun. The connection started organically: I consistently posted skating videos and tagged them. One day they reached out and asked if I’d like to join their efforts to raise awareness and funds. It was an easy yes.
My advice to other family members of people living with pulmonary hypertension is simple: just do it. I know it’s intimidating to put yourself out there—I still get butterflies each time I post—but if you feel called to act, don’t hold back. Whether it’s cooking, running, swimming, or gardening, use your passion. Be creative—you never know what idea might inspire someone to donate, get involved, or spark the next breakthrough in treatment. Every effort counts; your unique voice could make the difference.
I started on Instagram, but my video format works better on YouTube. My main handle on Instagram is @phcaregivers, and on YouTube I’m “Fighting to Breathe”. We’ll add those links in the description.
Get out there and help. We need all the support we can get to spread the word to people who’ve never heard of pulmonary hypertension. Skating has started conversations in the community—people ask how my wife is doing and what pulmonary hypertension really is. Many think it’s just high blood pressure. I direct them to my Facebook and Instagram, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, and Team Phenomenal Hope for reliable information.
Thanks for your time and for sharing your story