Tania Cicognini, a 34-year-old living with pulmonary hypertension, reflects on how her diagnosis in 2021 radically changed her perception of time, relationships, and what truly matters. Once caught in a relentless race of work and superficial connections, illness forced her to stop and confront a fundamental question: Is this really the life I want? In this video, Tania shares how fear and loss became a turning point toward self-preservation, why “tomorrow” can never be taken for granted, and how learning to say no to the superfluous—and yes to solitude and depth—transformed her life. “Time is now,” she reminds us: a limited, precious gift to be devoted with intention to ourselves and the people we love.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

When life starts to feel a little too heavy, this uplifting and practical talk with Suzanne offers 10 easy, science-backed ways to lift your mood—no therapy, yoga retreat, or juice cleanse required. Whether you’re living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension or simply navigating everyday stress, Suzanne shows how small shifts can make a big difference, from listening to birdsong and embracing laughter (even fake giggles) to mindful yawning, acts of kindness, connecting with pets, practicing gratitude, building allies, playing life like a game with SuperBetter, using calming techniques like the Heart Hug, and finding joy in words. With warmth, humor, and personal stories, she reminds us that joy isn’t only found in big moments, but in simple, everyday acts of awareness and connection.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

In this deeply personal and inspiring talk, Derek Henderson from Toronto reflects on what he would tell his past self at the moment of his Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) diagnosis in 2012. From the shock of no longer being able to bike to undergoing PEA (PTE) surgery and adapting to lifelong blood thinners, Derek shares a story marked by resilience, humor, and hope. Guided by his motto, “If you’re going to be a duck, learn how to quack,” he speaks about facing overwhelming medical information, learning to advocate for yourself, practicing patience in recovery, handling those who don’t understand, celebrating small victories.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Pisana Ferrari has been navigating the realities of post-transplant life for over two decades. In this presentation, she shares her personal journey and practical wisdom, reflecting on the emotional transition from pulmonary hyeprtension patient to transplant recipient, balancing medications and check-ups with daily life, caring for both body and mind through routine, activity, and nutrition, managing anxiety by staying present, building connections with fellow transplant patients, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers. Pisana offers honest insights, encouragement, and actionable advice grounded in lived experience.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Turn your newsletter into a must-read every time! In this PEP Talk 2025 session, we break down everything you need to know to create newsletters that your audience will actually want to read. Whether you’re new to newsletter writing or looking to improve your current approach, this video covers practical tips, real-life examples, and essential do’s and don’ts.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

In this session, Richard Mindham shares timeless, practical tips for crafting presentations that connect with any audience — whether you’re speaking to medical professionals, patients, carers, or policymakers. Drawing from his own personal medical and advocacy experience with chronic heart failure, Richard distills presentation building into clear, actionable steps.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

In this powerful PEP Talk, pulmonary arterial hypertension patient Değer Kesimoğlu, diagnosed in 2017, shares her journey with medications, side effects, and her practical tips to stay strong and live life fully. Whether you are living with pulmonary Hypertension, supporting a loved one, or working in the health field, Değer’s story offers inspiration, practical advice, and encouragement to never lose hope.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension at just 28, Colleen Brunetti went from an active dancer and teacher to facing the challenges of a rare, chronic illness. In this inspiring talk, she shares how writing, illustrating, and embracing the arts helped her redefine her “new normal.” From launching a blog that grew into a published book, to creating children’s literature and teaching herself digital illustration, Colleen shows how creativity can be a powerful lifeline in the face of uncertainty. Find Colleen’s books at this link: https://colleenbrunetti.com/

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Micheal Garrett, the creator of the YouTube channel “PHighting to Breathe”, as he shares his journey as a caregiver and advocate for pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this interview, Micheal discusses his wife’s diagnosis in December 2017 and how it transformed their lives. He delves into the challenges of managing a rare, progressive lung disease, the emotional toll it takes, and the importance of raising awareness.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Ready to turn your support group into a patient organization —without drowning in paperwork? In this PEP Talk, long-time patient-advocate Pisana Ferrari shows how any nonprofit or support group can sketch a simple, clear, two-page business plan in just three easy steps. About Pisana – Former pulmonary arterial hypertension patient (1988-2002), double-lung-transplant recipient (2002), and co-founder of Italy’s patient association AIPI, Pisana has advocated for rare-disease communities for over two decades and serves as Secretary General of the Alliance for Pulmonary Hypertension.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

In this episode of PEP Talks long-time pulmonary hypertension advocate Jen Cueva shares heartfelt, practical strategies to turn setbacks into stepping-stones. Diagnosed in 2005, Jen lives in sunny San Diego with her supportive husband and adult daughter. She volunteers with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association (PHA), writes a bi-weekly column, moderates forums for “Pulmonary Hypertension News”, and contributed to the book “Positively Rare,” available worldwide on Amazon.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Feeling swamped by pill alarms, doctor visits, and ever-shifting symptoms? In this PEP Talk, Ayotunde Omitogun, founder of the “Cardiac Community” in Nigeria shows how treating pulmonary hypertension like a long-term project can turn chaos into clarity. Learn more about Ayotunde’s association Cardiac Community at this link: https://cardiaccommunity.org/

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

A year ago, 10-kilometre runs were routine for Singaporean student Rishabh Radhakrishnan. Then came unexplained black-outs, a “mystery asthma” misdiagnosis—and the life-changing news: Chronic Thrombo-Embolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) at age 20. In this PEP Talks episode, Rishabh reveals how nine Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasties (BPAs)—and an unshakeable support team—took him from being almost bedridden back to the football pitch.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Join Dutch pulmonary arterial hypertension patient Louise Bouman van der Waal, Chair of the Dutch Pulmonary Hypertension Association, as she pulls back the curtain on what it really means to live, travel, work, shower – even hit the beach – while tethered to a life‑sustaining prostacyclin pump. Diagnosed in 2008 and once gasping for breath at functional class  IV, Louise refused to let the device define her.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

In this heartfelt and inspiring video, Deger Kesimoglu, a 71-year-old member of the Pulmoner Hipertansiyon ve Skleroderma Hasta Dernegi, the Pulmonary Hypertension and Scleroderma Patient Association in Turkey, shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH). Her story shines a light on the importance of early diagnosis, the power of patient associations, and the resilience it takes to adapt and thrive despite uncertainty.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

In this PEP Talk, Alena Adarbehova shares her extraordinary story of resilience, hope, and quiet strength. A two-time double lung transplant recipient and former idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension patient, Alena takes us through her experience living with Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction, CLAD (a form of organ rejection), and undergoing over 200 sessions of photopheresis (ECP)—a therapy that has become more than a treatment; it’s become her sanctuary.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

In this insightful video, Melanie Gallant Dewavrin from the French pulmonary hypertension association HTAPFrance explores the step-by-step process of organizing a patient family weekend—a special event designed to bring together children, teens, and families living with pulmonary arterial hypertension. From planning and logistics to program development and follow-up, this guide highlights best practices for creating an inclusive, safe, and uplifting experience for all participants.

FULL TRANSCRIPT TRANSLATABLE IN 40 LANGUAGES AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

Meet Pongo, the elephant raising awareness for pulmonary arterial hypertension In this heartwarming PEP Talk. Ioanna Alysandratou, founder and President of the Greek pulmonary hypertension association, and President of the Alliance for Pulmonary Hypertension, introduces us to Pongo—a purple elephant with a single nostril who has become a beloved ambassador for pulmonary arterial hypertension awareness.