I Run for Heather: Adrienne Kimbrell
This year I chose to run with Team PHenomenal Hope and the Let Me Be Your Lungs program for my best friend Heather Kauffman. She was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension in December of 2017. Her little brother, BJ, died from PH in 1982 at five years old; Heather was seven. I remember the flood of emotions that came over me when I got the message from Heather of diagnosis. There was a feeling of relief because we finally knew what was causing all of her tiredness and lack of breath, but I was so scared of what this meant for Heather.
What is PAH, how do we fix her, and what can I do to help? I started doing some research. I run for another charity and thought maybe there was something similar for PH. This is when I found Team PHenomenal Hope and reached out to be a part of the 2019 endurance program. In May, I ran a 5K in DeWitt, Michigan and the Bayshore Half Marathon in Traverse City, Michigan. My next race is the MO’ Cowbell Half Marathon in St. Charles, Missouri in October. I run to raise money so we can improve treatments and find a cure. I run for Heather, her little brother BJ, and so many others. I run to give others the chance at a full life.
