Our Mission

The Roberta Baines-Wheeler Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Group exists to Increase awareness of pulmonary hypertension while building healthier communities.

Our Vision

A society where persons with pulmonary hypertension are given the tools they need to live fulfilling lives.

Our History

RBW PH Awareness Group was established on November 8, 2012, and became a 501c3 nonprofit organization in December 2014.

Executive Director

Sydney Y.K. Brown is the Executive Director of Roberta Baines-Wheeler Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Group. The granddaughter of the late Roberta Baines-Wheeler brings innovative leadership and skills to the organization, founded by her mother, Dr. Katherine Y. Brown.

Our Programs

We offer a variety of programs to help our clients get back on their feet. From job training to mental health counseling, we provide the resources and support necessary to help individuals achieve their goals.

Transforming Awareness into Impact

At the Roberta Baines-Wheeler Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Group, we believe that awareness is just the beginning. Real impact happens when education meets action—when compassion turns into community care. From signature initiatives like Benches of Hope, which place vibrant purple benches in trusted spaces to honor those facing invisible illnesses, to empowering youth through internships and educational outreach, each of our programs serves a distinct purpose in advancing wellness and equity.

Explore the six core areas where our mission comes to life. Whether you're looking to engage with public programming, champion change, or support transformative education, there’s a way for you to take part in this work—and make a difference.

Empowering Youth, Building a Legacy: The Road to Ten Years of the KYB Leadership Academy

As we approach the 10-year anniversary of the KYB Leadership Academy in 2026, I am both humbled and grateful. When we welcomed our first cohort of seven young leaders back in 2016, I could not have imagined the incredible journey that lay ahead. Over the past decade, it has never been about any one person’s accomplishments – it’s about what our community of volunteers, mentors, parents, and students has achieved together. From day one, our mission has been to help each young person “know their brilliance” and use it to serve others. Today, we celebrate a growing legacy of youth who have blossomed into confident leaders and compassionate changemakers in their communities.

To commemorate this milestone, we are creating a special 10th Anniversary Commemorative Book that celebrates the empowerment and growth of our youth leaders. I invite you – our local community partners, national and international friends, volunteers, and beloved alumni – to join us in this celebration by purchasing a full-page ad in the commemorative book.