Dear Friends,

Having been directly affected by pulmonary vascular disease through my son, I know only too well how important it is to get to see a specialist quickly, who can accurately diagnose the disease and establish an effective treatment plan. My son contracted this terrible illness at aged 20, following a climbing expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, when he suffered from severe altitude sickness. My son was very lucky as his condition was diagnosed quickly and accurately. However, many patients are not as lucky as him, as doctors commonly do not know how to diagnose or treat this fatal illness. For the patient, early diagnosis is essential and without it, patients usually die within two years from the onset of the disease. PVD is still relatively unknown within the medical world and further research into the causes and mechanisms of this disease is vital for every patient.

The PVRI's tireless work revolves around the education of doctors around the world to better diagnose and manage the disease, the establishment of global research collaborations and inspiring new innovations in drug development through international scientific meetings. Medicines to treat PVD have only been made available in the last 10 years, thanks to recent research. Collaboration allows us to re-define what we know as possible on this planet.

By joining our community and contributing towards this worldwide collaboration you will help make a difference to many patients around the world, especially those in developing countries who can least help themselves. If you would like to make a donation, fundraise for us, sponsor a specific project or become involved as a volunteer, please get in touch. We rely on donations and grants to sustain our activities and with your help we can make a difference.

Currrently there is no treatment or cure for PVD, which is why we need your help to make this part of yesterday's news, and tomorrow's possibility.

Unfortunately, my son lost his battle to PVD in October 2018, at the age of 32. I am so grateful for the years we had with him from when he was first diagnosed. PVD is a devastating disease and we must do all we can to help patients lead better lives and to find a cure!

Your sincerely,

Lynette Swift