PHCentral - Recognition: Memories, Carol Aserinsky, Lynn Schaeffer, Pat Klecha

In Fondest Memory

Three important people at the heart of PHCentral were Carol Aserinsky, Lynn Schaeffer and Pat Klecha. They were there at the beginning pouring hours of effort, talent and skills into what would ultimately become this website - a world-wide resource for PAH information and support. They helped many people along the way both one-on-one, through PAH Support Groups and through their vision to build a PAH online community.

We are grateful to these women and applaud the contributions they have made to the PAH community. We will never forget them.

Carol Aserinsky

Lynn Schaeffer

Pat Klecha

Carol passed away on
November 9, 2001

Lynn passed away on
November 26, 2003

Pat passed away on
December 26, 2001

From Dennis Stenshorn, PHCentral board member:

Pat Klecha was the first person I met from the PH support group in Cleveland. Carol LoRe introduced me to the idea of joining the group and before long I was talking to Pat and was invited to attend the next meeting.

When we met Pat, it was easy to see she was a very caring person. What impressed me most about her was how she did not let PH slow her down. She gave me better information than what I had found on the internet, and she was genuinely concerned that I get good medical care. She always pushed the fact that I should see someone who treated PH and said she would help me get appointments to any of the doctors in Cleveland.

I met Carol Aserinsky and Lynn Schaeffer both at the first annual dinner of the Cleveland support group. Lynn had lived in Rochester for a long time but had since moved to be closer to her family. We enjoyed talking about the things she missed about Rochester. Carol and I talked a little and I found her to be very concerned that better information be made available to the PH community.

After dinner Pat invited us to her house and that’s when I learned more about the plans for starting a website they named PHCentral. It was a year later at the support group dinner that PHCentral went online for the first time.

I’m grateful to have met these three amazing and brave women who, in spite of being sick themselves, made it a priority to help others to be better informed about PH, help anyone who wanted it and helped make the ones who were scared, upset and confused about PH, understand things better.

In the photo below, many of those involved in the creation of PHCentral are gathered at one of Pat Klecha's annual support group luncheons. Pat lived in Ohio, and people came from far and wide, including from Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin and Washington state, to attend this luncheon. It was during one luncheon weekend, at Pat's kitchen table, that we held our first official group meeting to plan PHCentral.

PHCentral Group photo

Back, from left: Corey Frix; Kathryn Max (now Frix); Lynn Schaeffer; Dick Knotts; Jeannine Knotts; Dennis Stenshorn; Michael Szczepkowski; Armond Aserinsky.
Front: Carol LoRe; Pat Klecha; Carol Aserinsky;

We encourage you to comment on this memory page, add a personal memory about these three women, or simply leave yoru comments. You can do so HERE.

Keep their spirits alive by supporting PHCentral. If you would like to contribute financial support in honor of these three pioneers, please visit our Contributions page. Your contribution is tax deductible and most appreciated.

Kathryn Frix - Columbus, Ohio
Wednesday, October 18 2006

I first spent time with Carol, Pat and Lynn in Pat's home. Many people had traveled there for Pat's annual support group luncheon, and that little house was filled with people. Right there in Pat's kitchen we had the first meeting to develop PHCentral.

These three women spent many many hours in support of PH patients, and in creating this great support and information system.

I miss Carol, Pat and Lynn, and I'm enriched for having known them.

Cindy Hammond - Tolleson, Arizona
Thursday, August 10 2006

I never "met" Carol or Pat, but Lynn, oh my word Lynn! I can't believe it has been 3 years since her passing. There is hardly a day that goes by that I don't think about Lynn. Her humor, her grasp of her condition, the encouragement she ALWAYS gave, even to the very end. Even though Lynn knew treatments weren't for her, she never let anyone give up on hope, while there was a breathe to take-there is HOPE! You always knew where Lynn stood on any issue, and even if it was standing strong against-it was filled with love and humor. I am sure the Angels are rolling with laughter in heaven with Lynn in the lead.

Anne Shea - Vermont
Thursday, August 10 2006

I was one of the fortunate ones to have been on here when all of these great people including Carol's husband were an important part of the beginning of PHCentral. I know that though lately I've not been well enough to post as often as I used too, that I am most grateful for their love and care through those years I knew them and for what they left behind that continues helping others with this disease. Well done

Anne in Vermont

Sandi Roller - Portage, Michigan
Thursday, August 10 2006

I never got to personally meet any of these remarkable women but I had often read their posts on the website. I often wondered what it would have been like to have really known them but that just wasn't meant to be. A lot of times, it was as tho one or the other of them heard my thoughts and fears with this disease and would comment on something that bothered me without me even typing a word on the site! I was diagnosed with PPH in 1998 and I feel gyped that I missed out on some of their kind words as knowledge where this disease is concerned. My prayers to all of the families and friends of these 3 women!!!
Sandi

Marilyn Delavan
Thursday, August 10 2006

Lynn Schaeffer was one of the first people I talked with on PH Central. I was just dxd with PPH and told there was nothing more that could be done and I had 4 weeks to live. Lynn told me to find another PH doctor and not to give up..see as many doctors as it takes until you find the one that will help you..she was a pillar of strength for me. She even gave me a list of PH docs names, locations and phone numbers. I will never forget her.

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