Breath Beyond Borders
Our first-ever global fitness fundraiser
This November, we’re coming together as one global PVRI team to shine a light on pulmonary hypertension (PH) research and innovation during PH Awareness Month. Through our new challenge Breath Beyond Borders, PVRI members and friends across the world are taking on a personal challenge that pushes their limits. Whether running, walking, cycling, swimming — or even playing the piano we’ll be taking on these activities individually, in our own time and locations, throughout the month of November.
Though separated by oceans and time zones, we are united by a common mission: to raise awareness about the importance of global research and innovation in pulmonary hypertension — advancing understanding, improving treatments, and ultimately transforming lives.
Meet the participants
How can I support Breath Beyond Borders?
As a non-profit, we rely wholly on voluntary income. We receive no state funding from any of the countries we work in, so your support is vital. We encourage you to show your support to the participants by donating to the fundraising page: justgiving.com/campaign/breathbeyondborders. Your donation goes directly into action—subsidising young doctors and researchers from low-income countries to attend vital scientific meetings, funding groundbreaking global studies like the PH Patient Survey and GoDeep registry, offering travel grants that launch medical careers, and raising awareness to ensure earlier diagnoses. Even a small gift can empower doctors with training, patients with hope, and researchers with the tools they need to improve care and ultimately save lives.
Want to learn more about where your money goes? Click here.
Tell me more
Together, we will virtually travel through as many countries as we can to 'arrive' in Dublin by the end of November. Our virtual arrival in Dublin is particularly meaningful, as the city will host our PVRI 2026 Congress from 28 January - 1 February. It’s not just a destination, but a milestone that links our present efforts to the future aspirations of our whole PH community. Through this shared effort, we aim to reflect the strength and determination of those around the world living with PH every day.
And throughout it all, our challenge will be set to a truly special soundtrack: Paul Hassoun, one of our esteemed team members, will be performing an extended piano session in support of the cause — his music providing the rhythm, spirit, and emotion behind every mile.
This challenge isn’t just about physical achievement — it’s about unity, creativity, advocacy, and hope. We invite you to follow our journey, support the PVRI Breath Beyond Borders team, and help spread the word. Together, we’ll make every mile (and every note) count.
Participants
Your support changes lives. As a non-profit, we rely wholly on voluntary income. We receive no state funding from any of the countries we work in, so your support is vital. Together we can make lives better for people living with pulmonary hypertension...from diagnosis to treatment and, eventually, to a cure.
We want as many friends and family across the world to take part. So far, our combined efforts will take us over 2,438 miles (3,901 km) — further than the journey from Athens to Dublin, passing virtually through 12 countries: Greece, North Macedonia, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, swimming across the Channel to England, through Wales and into Ireland (our virtual destination). If you’d like to join us, simply let us know your chosen activity and distance goal, and get training for November.
With your help, how many more countries can we journey through together?
“The reason I’m doing this, is because I really care about the work of the Pulmonary Vascular Research Institute, I care deeply about advancing scientific discoveries in this field, and finding new therapies for PH. I’m hoping to raise awareness and funds for PVRI to continue its mission.”
Anna Hemnes, Vanderbilt University Medical Center
“I’m delighted to be part of Breath Beyond Borders. I have decided to play the piano, it’s a major passion of mine and I think it’s very appropriate for Breath Beyond Borders because it is a hugely physical activity, mental and spiritual. And I think it will help our patients”
Paul Hassoun, Johns Hopkins University