Young Adult Advisory Board: Driving Generation Hope Home

By Sean Wyman

Sean Wyman

During 2009 things were changing at PHA, and questions were being asked of the young adult patients on how PHA could better serve those who utilize their service. I was privileged to be a part of a focus group conference call with several young adults who have pulmonary hypertension, and we were being asked questions on how PHA could better serve us and others like us. I think at that moment was when things started to take place and soon after this conference call, myself and several others received emails asking if we would like to be part of the Young Adult Advisory Board for PHA. The goal of the Young Adult Advisory Board was to help develop programs for young adults and young professionals in their 20’s and 30’s.  Many of us have different needs than the children and older adult counterparts. Throughout the last two years, the Young Adult Advisory Board has helped bring forth the Generation Hope Google group, Facebook page, blog, and other resources for young adults with pulmonary hypertension.

Lindsay Nicol

Colleen Brunetti

 The advisory board consists of several young adults who are active in the community raising awareness and are advocates for pulmonary hypertension. Colleen, Brit, Lindsay, Sean (me), and our newest addition Josh have been working within our communities—online, locally, and beyond—to help enrich the lives of others that are much like ourselves, young adults that want not to be defined by our PH, but to inspire others to continue to fight and continue to hope. Colleen summed it up best when she said, “I helped start Generation Hope because I wanted to give back to the community and create a safe space where people our age could gather and share similar experiences.” Personally, I share the same sentiment, and I know that Brit, Josh, and Lindsay feel the same way. We work closely with Chanda at PHA to continue to provide ideas on how to improve PHA and Generation Hope services for young adults.

Brittany Riggins

Joshua Griffis

In closing, we on the Young Adults Advisory Board are here for you and always welcome comments and ideas. If you’re fortunate enough to be joining us at the 10th International PH Conference and Scientific Sessions, and you see us, let us know what you think. Finally, Colleen, Brit, Lindsay, Josh, and I would like to invite you out to Generation Hope After Dark on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 9pm. We hope that you’ll come out and meet with us and other young adults like you.  Rumor is a Special Generation Hope Drink will be availabe for purchase. We look forward to seeing you there!