Sonya Collins

Feeling short of breath, exhausted, and having fluid retention for almost four years, and many ER visits later, Sonya was finally diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary hypertension (IPAH) by a cardiologist in 2003. She has overcome many obstacles and has seen and experienced a lot of change since her diagnosis.

Sonya was the founding member of a support group on Facebook in Newfoundland and Labrador for PH patients. Eventually, the group grew to become "Atlantic Canada’s Pulmonary Hypertension Warriors," which she co-founded and co-administrates with fellow board director, Beth Slaunwhite.

In 2018, Sonya became an Ambassador with the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada. As an ambassador, she has been on several committees and attended many virtual and in-person seminars, meetings, and deliberations in Canada, the United States, and Europe. She has also participated in studies and surveys that could positively impact patients and our medical community.

Several years ago, Sonya successfully advocated to her provincial government for PAH patients to receive financial assistance for a newly approved treatment in Canada. This approval was life-changing for some patients.

Sonya looks forward to continuing in her role as an ambassador and is excited to take on new responsibilities as a Board Director, assisting in the important work that the Pulmonary Hypertension Association of Canada does for the PH community.

Sonya loves spending time near and on the ocean. She has been most fortunate to have had an amazing support system over the years. She loves spending time with family and friends, especially her husband, Vance, two daughters, Shyanne and Jessalyn, son-in-law, Ryan, and her shining star, granddaughter, Estelle.