Family relationships

Janice Lyons has pulmonary hypertension and unbeknown to her, her sister Jen did too – a fact tragically discovered only after her death. Here, retired teacher Janice shares her family’s unusual story.

Diagnosed with PH as a baby, 52-year-old Lesley Meek grew up assuming she would never have children – until a promise made at school turned into a son she never imagined. This is her story of starting a family via a surrogate.

When Rinku Puri was diagnosed with PH, she was terrified it would put an end to her dream of becoming a parent. But after deciding adoption was the right choice, Rinku and her husband Sunil are enjoying family life together at last. Here, she shares their journey with Emphasis.

When Sonia was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at the age of 30, it left her shell-shocked and bewildered. She was terrified her quality of life would be non-existent and she would be left housebound and constantly attached to an oxygen machine.