Elizabeth McCall

At the young age of 30, Elizabeth (Liz) McCall was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect that—by 1999—led to surgery and ultimately, a PH diagnosis. But through all of it, she never let her health issues keep her down. Despite being faced with a life-threatening illness, Liz fought back. She took every step possible to spread the word about PH and to support the PH community in any way possible. It was while searching for help coping with her “new normal” that Liz discovered the lack of Canadian resources and support available to patients like herself. That is why—barely two years after her diagnosis—Liz started the British Columbia PH Society (BCPHS). She wanted to bring together the local PH community to facilitate discussion and direct contact between caregivers, patients, drug companies, and pharmacies. She also went on to become a Founding Director of PHA Canada in 2008.

Liz provided invaluable support to the PH community throughout her life. She was instrumental in the development of support groups for people with PH in BC and throughout the country. She worked hard to help raise awareness of PH and ensure patients knew they were not alone. Liz also saw that November was celebrated as PH Awareness Month all around the country, a significant milestone in the campaign to raise awareness of PH. Without Liz’s dedication and hard work, PHA Canada would not be where it is right now.

Liz McCall worked tirelessly for the PH community: it was her goal that no patient would face this illness alone. Her dream was to one day see a united Canadian community, in which everyone living with PH could receive the support they needed. While she may no longer be with us, Liz’s legacy lives on eternally and her incredible contributions to the Canadian PH community will never be forgotten.