PH Awareness
Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a rare, debilitating disease in which high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs can lead right to heart failure. It can be primary (no known cause) or secondary (caused by another condition.)
This is Macie Lea Bridges! Macie is a bubbly and beautiful 5 year old little girl and she is also a PH fighter!
Macie was diagnosed at 3 1/2 months old with severe congestive heart failure due to PH and three undetected congenital heart defects. She had open heart surgery two weeks later to repair her heart defects and resolve her PH. Her family was told that the repair was a success and that she would lead a normal, healthy life.
Three years later, during a routine follow up cardiology appointment, her family was told that Macie’s PH had returned. A second opinion visit with a pediatric PH specialist confirmed her diagnosis of severe pulmonary hypertension. 
PH is a rare, progressive disease that has no cure. There are currently twelve medications available to slow the progression of the disease but NONE are FDA approved for use in children. It is essential to be seen by a doctor that specializes in PH. There are currently no pediatric PH specialists in Louisiana where Macie lives! Her family must travel to Texas Children’s in Houston every 1-3 months for clinic visits. Macie takes multiple medications several times a day. She must also wear a pump that administers medication to her body 24/7. None of these medications are FDA approved for her use. This is why it is so important for pediatric PH awareness! 
Macie's mother, Monica Bridges says, "Macie is sweet, fun loving, and wise beyond her years. I always get compliments from her doctors that she is one of the most well behaved, cooperative kids they've seen. She absolutely loves to dance! Extreme heat and humidity are not good for PH patients, so she's limited on how much time she can spend playing outside during the summer. Her medications affect her outside play as well. She is on blood thinners, so she is not allowed to play contact sports or play on monkey bars, etc. The site of her pump medication can't get wet, so she can't swim without a special dry suit. Baths are also a challenge. PH can make her tired, so some days all she wants to do is rest. In addition to this, there are also the medical tests, monthly blood work, and medical procedures. Despite knowing she is different and can't do everything like her friends, she takes it all in stride."
50% of the proceeds raised will go to Macie and her family for medical bills and traveling expenses to and from her hospital visits. The rest will go to the Robyn Barst Pediatric Research fund.
In addition to helping out an amazing cause and research to help families stuggling with this disease, you have a chance at winning a photo session with August Layne Photography as a THANK YOU for your donation.
Please share this with your friends and family. Every bit of awareness helps us get one step closer to our real goal, helping families, gaining knowledge and building research! Your help is appreciated more than you could ever imagine.
Thank you for your love and support.
-Chelsea Brauwn
August Layne Photography, LLC