NOVEMBER 2018

WHEREAS, Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a very complex and serious lung disease, which is progressive and potentially fatal. It can strike anyone regardless of age, sex, social, or ethnic background. In Pulmonary Hypertension (which means high blood pressure in the lungs), the arteries of the lungs become narrowed and scarred, which can result in the almost complete closing of the arteries; and

WHEREAS, PH shares a number of its symptoms with other conditions, resulting in many people being misdiagnosed. Without treatment, the average life expectancy of someone with PH is less than three years. Alarmingly, many patients spend two to three years seeking an accurate diagnosis. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Canadians have been diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, but as many as 10,000 may be affected by the condition. While there is currently no cure for PH, thanks to available treatments, many patients are living longer, healthier lives; and

WHEREAS, celebrated annually throughout the month of November, PH Awareness Month is an international event. Our small non-profit organization works to help support those living or affected by this difficult disease in Canada through education, support, research, and better access to life-saving treatments; and

WHEREAS, by raising awareness of pulmonary hypertension throughout November, we hope to achieve two things: bring hope to all of the Canadians who suffer from this merciless and often terminal disease. And also bring attention to the need for earlier diagnosis, so that newly diagnosed patients can have a better chance of survival.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Keith Hobbs, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim November 2018 as Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month in the City of Thunder Bay.

KEITH HOBBS,

MAYOR

City of Thunder Bay