The Roberta Baines Wheeler (RBW) Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Group hosted its second annual “Her Life, Our Legacy” Jazz Brunch event honoring mothers who have transitioned. This highly successful event is now held annually and is named after the late Roberta Baines-Wheeler.
Overlooking downtown Nashville from the Waller Law Office’s twentieth floor, the standing room only event on Saturday, May 19, was attended by close to 200 people. This invaluable event was well received by the community, and nearly 100 mothers who have passed were honored. Attendees included elected officials, professionals, families, and friends.
Harriet Vaughn-Wallace, Fox 17 News personality, served as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Dr. Katherine Y. Brown served as keynote speaker. Dr. Brown gave a powerful keynote that inspired and captured the essence of what the event was designed to do.
“This event is needed,” said Jamila Tyrell, a first-time attendee. “It was my first time attending but it will not be my last.”
The event was catered by Chef Irving Brown II of The Goodlife Personal Chef Service. The welcome was given by Sydney Y. K. Brown and a prayer was given by Machelle Thompson. Lively Jazz music was provided by the Tyronn Hamilton Trio.
The RBW White Rose tribute was a symbolic moment to honor mothers who have transitioned. Losing a loved one is never easy, especially a mother. This year’s tribute was unique in that the committee, consisting of persons whose mothers have passed, dedicated the ceremony to 16-year-old Amiya Jenkins, a member of KYB Leadership Academy who recently lost her mother.
The Roberta Baines Wheeler Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Group “Her Life, Our Legacy” event is definitely a special occasion for women and men to recognize their mothers and other loved ones who have transitioned. The event sponsors included the Roberta Baines-Wheeler Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Group, Machelle Thompson Scales Funeral Home, NaSah’s Nails and Spa, and Learn CPR America, LLC. Planning has already begun for the 2019 event.
Fight back against Pulmonary Hypertension! Imagine being told you have “two years to live” followed by “see you in six months for your next appointment”. This is the unfortunate reality for many PH patients.
Pulmonary Hypertension is basically a disorder of the blood vessels wherein the pressure in the pulmonary artery rises above normal levels, thereby posing a life-threatening risk. Several diseases or causative factors, largely unknown, may lead to the malfunctioning denoted by the term Primary Pulmonary Hypertension. Most cases of Pulmonary Hypertension are found to be not inherited as a result of traits in genes. Conclusive evidence has, however, been found regarding a direct correlation between the usage of appetite suppressants (diet drugs) and the risk of Pulmonary Hypertension.
With a message of awareness, empowerment, and hope the RBW Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Group continues to provide events that make a meaningful and measurable impact on the community. For future RBW PH Awareness Group events, contact Dr. Katherine Y. Brown, (312) 623-2433 Email: RBWPHAwarenessday@yahoo.com.
