“Give a girl the right pair of shoes and she will conquer the world.” -Marilyn Monroe

Katie Tobias has been fighting for every breath since Pulmonary Hypertension turned her life upside down in 2006. From being “at risk of sudden death” to “almost normal” and back again, like riding a rollercoaster blindfolded, Katie has risen from the ashes multiple times.

At her lowest point, both mentally and physically, Katie decided she had sacrificed enough to this dreadful disease; her choice of shoes would not be one of them. From customized stilettos to sneakers, Katie’s shoes have become a creative symbol of confidence and courage as she continues to take one empowered step after another.

Significant depression, anxiety and medical trauma are among the ashes of PH. This unpredictable battle is equally as devasting and takes just as much strength to spread her wings and soar towards a better quality of life.

But, she rises, over and over again. One courageous step at a time.

Watching her creation, Sole of a PHoenix, rise is a dream come true.