Christina and Kevin Mueller: A Sibling Bond that Inspires Hope

Learning about Team PHenomenal Hope’s founding Race Across America event, Christina Mueller was deeply moved by the passion, determination, and sense of purpose that radiated from every mile. She knew instantly that she wanted to be part of this mission.
For Christina, joining the team was personal—a way to honor her brother, Kevin, who passed away from complications of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in 2011. She saw it as an opportunity to raise awareness and funding for research to eradicate this devastating disease.
Kevin’s journey with PH began early in life. Diagnosed with transposition of the great arteries shortly after birth, he required immediate surgery and spent the first nine months of his life in and out of the hospital. The challenges didn’t stop there. At just six years old, Kevin was diagnosed with PH. Christina, only four years older, remembers how the diagnosis felt like a death sentence to their family after a sobering trip to the library for answers. Doctors doubted he would live to graduate high school.
But Kevin defied expectations. Despite using a scooter to get around, frequently struggling to breathe, and sometimes passing out while walking to the mailbox, he faced life with quiet resilience. He graduated high school, earned an associate’s degree, and brought joy to his family through his humor and love of movies—especially Step Brothers, which he and Christina loved to quote to their mother’s exasperation and their own delight.
Kevin’s passing at 22 left a lasting impact on Christina. Witnessing his strength and struggles motivated her to take action so others wouldn’t have to endure the pain her family experienced. Team PHenomenal Hope provided that outlet—a community united by a shared mission to honor PH patients, raise awareness, and fund research for better treatments and outcomes.
For more than seven years, Christina has been a vital member of the team, channeling her passion into action. She’s completed nine marathons, including the Chicago Marathon six times, as well as the Marine Corps, Savannah, and NYC marathons. Each year, she participates in at least 10 races, including 5Ks, the Soldier Field 10-Miler, and occasionally a half marathon.
Beyond her impressive athletic achievements, Christina is a source of encouragement and positivity, often cheering on teammates through the Team PH LMBYL group on Facebook. She finds inspiration in seeing how far treatments for PH have come since Kevin’s diagnosis, as more patients are living longer and achieving milestones once thought impossible.
Christina’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness and supporting PH patients embodies the spirit of Team PHenomenal Hope. Her story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and hope. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team and look forward to many more years of fighting alongside her to defeat PH.