Mudbug March Raises Awareness of and Funds for PH

About 160 participants decked out in their disco finest boogied down at Mudbug March to Stomp Out Pulmonary Hypertension 2017. It was the largest crowd yet in the third year of the event. Put on by the LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing Alumni Association, the event honored the memory of Chelsea Umbach Yates, who was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension when she was 15 years old. She managed to live life to the fullest for 11 years, despite the disease and treatment that included a heart-double lung transplant. She died suddenly on July 17, 2011, after contracting an overwhelming infection.

Mudbug March to Stomp Out Pulmonary Hypertension included a 1-mile Fun Walk, a silent auction, a disco dance party, entertainment by the Disco Amigos, food and libations, as well as face painting and a disco costume contest for the kids.

Preliminary figures indicate that the event raised about $12,000, which will support improved patient care, medical research, and information dissemination, as well as education to LSU Health New Orleans School of Nursing students who will provide nursing care to patients with PH.