Eric Borstein to Walk from Los Angeles to San Diego for PH
My name is Eric “EB” Borstein. On September 21st, 2020, while at home, I collapsed from massive right heart failure and almost died. I spent sixteen days in the intensive care unit at Cedars Sinai Medical Center where I was diagnosed with an extremely rare disease called pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). A disease with no cure.
We found National Jewish Health in Denver. We started funding PAH research there. I was introduced on my first trip back to NJH, to Dr. Patty George. I met Patty. Her enthusiasm is infectious, to say the least. I sat down with her and was introduced to Team PHenomenal Hope. Team PHenomenal Hope’s mission, one of their slogans is, Let Me Be Your Lungs; pairing people who can’t exercise, who are having trouble getting out of bed, who can’t get to the doctor, who don’t have the resources for the medications and the therapies and the education.
In the days, weeks, and months after leaving the hospital, walking became my biggest ally. A short walk in the neighborhood soon turned into a mile, then two miles, and eventually I was walking longer and longer distances. I found that walking helped get me through the miserable side effects attributed to the medications, it assisted in keeping me mentally fresh and provided me so many additional benefits. And still does to this day. With these walks the miles began to add up, and I am proud to say that in the calendar years 2022 and 2023 I totaled over 10,700 miles! Team PH’s slogan, Let Me Be Your Lungs, has really come to ring true because I am now able to exercise and do this stuff.
On September 22nd, 2024, almost four years later to the day, I will begin walking from Los Angeles to San Diego to raise money and awareness for patients living with pulmonary hypertension. Before my walk, we are excited to hold the first annual Where is EB? fundraiser benefiting Team PHenomenal Hope!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 22nd, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, at the Annenberg Beach House, for a morning filled with fun, light refreshments, and a 5K walk to kick things off! Head to whereiseb.org to learn more, donate, or register today!
The event will culminate with encouragement and cheer as I begin my journey walking from Los Angeles to San Diego to raise funds and awareness for PH. We hope you will take the opportunity to join us and help support patients living with pulmonary hypertension.
