11/14/2025
“Imagine watching your child’s chest rise and fall so quickly, the wheezing loud and terrifying.
That’s what it’s like watching my daughter, Jordan, struggle through an asthma attack. In those moments, I’m reaching for her inhaler with one hand and my phone with the other—trying to stay calm while deciding if it’s time to head back to the ER.
My husband, Peter, and I live in New Brunswick, and both of our children have asthma. Jordan was diagnosed with severe asthma as a baby, and managing it quickly became a full-time job. Every day, three times a day, she sat through 15-minute nebulizer treatments—about 270 hours a year just trying to breathe.
While other kids were outside playing or heading to dance class, Jordan was inside, attached to her nebulizer. Every decision we make revolves around keeping her and her big brother, Henry, safe. We’ve driven eight hours to Nova Scotia for specialist care, missed work, and paid out of pocket for medications and treatments not covered by insurance.
One December, after a wonderful day at our local Christmas market, Jordan was hospitalized and put on oxygen. The twinkling lights were replaced with beeping monitors. Thankfully, after several days and a visit to the Asthma Clinic, she came home just in time for Christmas.
We know we’re fortunate—we can manage the costs and travel when needed—but I often wonder: what about families who can’t?
That’s why we share our story: to help others understand how serious and unpredictable asthma can be, and why families like ours need support.
Despite everything, Jordan has done something incredible—she’s run two 5K races, finishing first in her age group. Her strength gives us hope every single day.” ❤️