Kullie's Journey with PH+ (as told by her daughter, Lakesha)

“Continue to fight and educate, get involved and make life comfortable.”

Kullie Sanders was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension and Pulmonary Veno-Occlusive Disease (PVOD) in November of 2010. Her journey was one of determination and fight.

    In efforts to cure through surgery what doctors thought to be a pulmonary embolism, Kullie Sanders and her daughter, Lakesha Jones were flown out to California by the University of California Hospital and flight for life. After 10 minutes of surgery, the doctor approached Lakesha, explaining that her mother had something much more serious than a pulmonary embolism. Kullie was now diagnosed with PH and PVOD. The doctor went on to explain that he would be surprised if Kullie survived another month.

    In the months succeeding surgery, Kullie faced a number of challenges. Having been such an active individual who was so full of life, and often worked multiple jobs, it was difficult to adjust to becoming so short of breath so quickly. The disease had essentially stopped her life. Kullie was now on 22 liters of Oxygen and had trouble breathing after taking only two steps. She was now dependent on a wheelchair, and needed transportation to be mobile.

    Although Kullie was faced with these challenges, she did not give up her fight. She had a strong determination, so strong that her doctor stated “I have never seen a patient fight so hard.” With the progression of her disease, it was now an accomplishment to take four steps without becoming short of breath, or to be able to get dressed on her own. One of Kullie’s biggest accomplishments took place at Church one Mother’s Day morning. She stood out of her wheelchair for a prolonged period, singing and clapping her hands along to the music.

    Throughout her fight, Kullie found an extreme amount of strength and support from her family. Although she was facing a life threatening disease, her biggest concern was always her children, and six grandchildren. They kept her going and fighting, she always wanted to make sure that before anything, they were okay.

    On May 21st 2011 Kullie Sanders lost her fight with PH and PVOD. Through her battle, she continued to keep her faith in God, and determination to keep fighting. Her daughter, Lakesha shares, “The most frustrating part of this experience was to find out that there is a PVOD specialist right here in Colorado after being sent to California. Make sure you talk to doctors and find out information. I think we put a lot of trust into doctors, but we need to make sure doctors are giving us the best care. Continue to fight and educate, get involved, and make life comfortable.”