Asthma Canada (2025)

17/07/2025

Charly Jarrett, from Vancouver, British Columbia, has lived with both the physical and emotional challenges of asthma for most of her life.

Her first symptoms appeared in high school, when she began frequently losing her voice. It wasn’t until after she developed pneumonia twice, however, that doctors finally suggested asthma as the cause.

Growing up in a community skeptical of medications and vaccines, her symptoms were often downplayed and misunderstood, even as she continuously battled yearly respiratory infections.

“I thought, ‘Is this just going to be the rest of my life? Having a piece of my life taken away every year was horrible.”

Charly was finally diagnosed with asthma while in university. After being advised to begin regular inhaler use, she was able to end the infection cycle and replace it with a sense of control and relief.

Despite these physical improvements, social struggles still remain. She has found her experience with the condition to be isolating and anxiety-inducing.

“The continuous outbreaks after COVID have been incredibly isolating. I get anxious about the wildfire smoke. There’s a constant worry about normal daily activities, like seeing friends in the summer, going outside, being able to breathe.”

No one should have to feel isolated or anxious because of their condition, yet for many, asthma makes that a daily reality. These struggles are exactly why Charly is so passionate about joining Asthma Canada and speaking out — to help others feel seen, supported, and empowered to live fully despite asthma.

23/06/2025

Dallas Lockhart, a 20-year-old student from Toronto, Ontario, has lived with asthma since childhood.

“At nine, I began experiencing shortness of breath and chest tightness, especially during physical activity.”

At first, her parents didn’t grasp the severity of her symptoms. But as they worsened, she was diagnosed with asthma.

In the early years, Dallas relied heavily on both controller and reliever medications—what her parents called her "dinner and dessert." She often faced name-calling and felt discouraged.

“When you’re the slowest person in the race, it gets a little bit defeating at times.”

But Dallas refused to let asthma hold her back. Determined to prove herself, she continued to play volleyball, basketball, and soccer—activities that not only helped improve her fitness but also strengthened her lung capacity.

She credits her confidence to a strong support system: “My parents were my number one supporters, my gym teacher always understood my condition, and my sister was my inspiration.”

In 2020, after years without symptoms, a cold and sinus infection triggered an unexpected asthma attack. Without updated prescriptions, Dallas had no medication on hand. She was rushed to a clinic to be treated.

“This made me open my eyes—just because I don’t have symptoms doesn’t mean my asthma is gone.”

Since then, Dallas has taken charge of her asthma, keeping her medication up to date and identifying her triggers: dust, pet fur, smoke, and unfamiliar environments.

Today, she not only manages her own asthma but also empowers the children in her care who live with it, reminding them:

“Just because you have asthma doesn’t mean you’re limited. You can do anything—and you have me as a support system.”

Dallas’s story reminds us on the importance of lung conditioning, never underestimating asthma, and always keeping your emergency medication close.

06/06/2025

Josée Michaud, from Quebec’s Laurentides region, has lived a life profoundly shaped by asthma—living with the condition herself and losing two brothers to it.

“My older brothers and I all had asthma—pretty severe cases. I was about seven when I began missing a lot of school. I had to repeat second grade because of it. I remember one time when all three of us—my brothers and I—were in the hospital together. My mother even slept there with us.”

Tragedy struck Josée’s family for the first time in 2002.

“Eric, my eldest brother, had very bad asthma. At home, we had a nebulizer, and he was on a lot of medications to manage his condition. He was the kind of person who would wait until the very end to ask for help. Even when he was very sick, he would say, ‘No, don’t call emergency. I’ll be fine. I’ll take my puffer.’ But one day, he just collapsed. He was in the ICU for a month, on a ventilator. He didn’t wake up. We had to stop treatment. He died at 26 from a severe asthma attack.”

Tragedy struck again when her younger brother, Luke, also lost his life to asthma.

“Luke had severe bronchopulmonary issues caused by asthma and collapsed suddenly. We weren’t able to save him. He was just 14.”

In recent years, although Josée's own asthma is mostly well managed, she finds spring especially difficult.

“My asthma was well controlled for many years. But for the last two springs, it’s been bad. I’ve had to use my puffers more often. Winter is usually great for me, but spring allergies have made the last two years difficult. When the trees start blooming, I have to take allergy pills, and my asthma flares up.”

Josée has worked as a nurse for many years and wants to help raise awareness of the dangers of asthma.

“In the ICU, I saw patients experiencing all levels of asthma attacks, and it was frightening. Asthma has always been part of my life, and I want to help others recognize the symptoms and get help early—before it becomes too severe.”

22/05/2025

“Asthma isn’t a simple disease. It’s incredibly complex, which makes it both challenging and fascinating for me. Even now, more than 20 years later, I’m still intrigued. I still want to understand what causes asthma and, more importantly, how we can do better for the people living with it.”

Dr. Teresa To is a trailblazer in asthma research, known for using big data to uncover the true burden of asthma in Canada. When she first began her work at SickKids Hospital, she was shocked to learn that asthma was the number one reason kids were hospitalized. “I thought it would be a simple task—just counting numbers and reporting them. But when I saw the numbers, I was shocked.”

That moment shaped her career. “I went to my boss and said, ‘I want to focus on asthma. This will be my research territory.’”

As the founder and Scientific Director of the Ontario Asthma Surveillance Information System (OASIS), Dr. To’s work has helped track asthma’s impact on thousands of lives and shape better care. In partnership with Asthma Canada, she also led a major study on the real-world use of biologics for asthma treatment.

But she’s clear: the work isn’t done.

“We’re still not done with asthma. Ten years ago, funding shifted toward COPD, and now lung cancer is receiving a lot of attention. But asthma is still here, we have not eradicated asthma, yet, and it’s still affecting a huge number of people.”

She urges more investment in asthma research:
“There’s still so much potential in asthma research. We need more support, and I want to give people hope that we can make a real difference.”

22/05/2025

As Asthma Awareness Month winds down, we invite you to join a powerful and personal event: “Asthma: Stories From the Community” on Thursday 29 May at 7:00 p.m. ET.

This free webinar isn't about stats or science, it’s about the human experience. Hear real stories from people living with asthma—stories of challenge, resilience, advocacy, and hope.

🔷 Moderated by Beyond the Wheeze Podcast Host, Josh Rheaume, the event will feature:
🔹 Vibhas Bapat: Asthma Canada Board Chair & living with asthma and eczema
🔹 Adrienne Lam: MPH student, passionate asthma advocate & living with asthma & allergies
🔹 Jaqueline Murdoch: Late-onset asthma patient & retired IT project manager

Register now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6617442385686/WN__eZkp7K7TGCdHN8dkCvonA

12/05/2025

Asthma Canada would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Prachi and Rumi Prince for bravely sharing their son Rudhro’s story on World Asthma Day at Queen’s Park at our Advocacy Day reception.

Rudhro was just 8 years old when he tragically lost his life to an asthma attack in 2018. Since then, the Prince family has become passionate advocates, helping raise awareness about how serious and life-threatening asthma can be.

We’re deeply grateful for their strength and their ongoing efforts to make a difference for others.

05/05/2025

Tomorrow on World Asthma Day, Asthma Canada is taking action to drive change for the 4.6 million people in Canada living with asthma.

Here’s what we’ve got planned:

📊 We are releasing new findings from our National Survey of Asthma in Canada to the media and to the asthma community, exposing widespread asthma mismanagement
🚀 We are launching our bold 5-year strategy: A Pathway to a Symptom-Free Future
✅ We will amplify our A.C.T. on Asthma campaign to help people with asthma in Canada take control
🏛️ We are meeting with MPPs at Queen’s Park to push for real policy change
💡 Landmarks will light up blue across Canada—snap a pic & tag us!
🤝 We will host our Breath of Fresh Hope community event to share what’s ahead

Join us in raising awareness and demanding better asthma care.
💙

01/05/2025

“Asthma doesn’t need to define you.”

Born with severe asthma, Josh Rheaume—originally from Nova Scotia—recalls spending three to four months in the hospital each year due to his condition. “Life for me was not like life for everyone else.”

Asthma had a profound impact on his early life. “If I was at school, I was the kid with an inhaler in my hand. It really limited what I could do.”

For years, Josh didn’t take his asthma seriously and unknowingly misused his medications. He believes the two most important factors in gaining control over his condition were learning his triggers and getting on the right medication. Once that happened, everything in his life began to improve.

Determined to make a change, Josh started running—just 500 meters at first—taking breaks to use his inhaler when needed. One day, against all odds, he ran 25 kilometers. “That run was a turning point. For the first time, I felt like I was reclaiming control over my life.”

Josh found Asthma Canada’s supports incredibly helpful in achieving control over his asthma. Today, he enjoys spending time with his kids—and no longer finds himself out of breath while doing so.

💢 Did you know that 1 in 2 people living with asthma in Canada have uncontrolled asthma and are putting their health at risk?

May is Asthma Awareness Month, and this year we’re calling on the 4.6 million people living with asthma in Canada to A.C.T. on Asthma:

✅ A – Assess your asthma with the new Asthma Self-Check on our website
✅ C – Claim your free Asthma Control Pack
✅ T – Talk to your doctor about managing your asthma effectively

29/04/2025

We’re just ONE WEEK away from World Asthma Day!

It’s one of many exciting moments happening during Asthma Awareness Month. All through May, we’re shining a spotlight on asthma — from buildings lighting up blue across Canada, to a month-long national awareness campaign, advocacy opportunities you can join, and so much more.

Find out what’s happening and how you can get involved on our website.

08/04/2025

At just 14 years old, Amber Marie McCollom left home to meet friends. Hours later, her mom, Kimberly, got the call no parent should ever receive. Amber had suffered a severe asthma attack that stopped her heart. Despite every effort, she passed away just days later. 💔

“Amber was full of life—an outgoing, energetic girl who loved volleyball and running track. She had a fierce work ethic, a kind heart, and a deep loyalty to her friends and family. She dreamed big, laughed loudly, and loved deeply.

Amber was diagnosed with asthma just before her third birthday after a terrifying attack. From that day on, it was a roller coaster—some stable stretches, but always the fear of sudden flare-ups. She had allergies that changed over time. Poplar fluff in the spring sent us to the ER more times than I can count.

On June 2, 2024, she left the house with a simple “I love you.”

Hours later, she suffered an asthma attack at the park. Paramedics revived her after six minutes without oxygen, but by then, the damage was done. On June 5th, Amber was pronounced brain-dead.

She saved four lives through organ donation. That’s who Amber was—always giving, always helping others.

I share this because no parent should have to go through what we did. Asthma is serious. If meds aren’t working, go back to your doctor. And please—don’t v**e, especially with asthma."

Asthma Awareness Month is May 2025. Let’s come together to prevent tragedies like Amber’s—because no family should ever have to experience the heartbreak Kimberly’s family lives with every day. 💙

21/03/2025

Vibhas Bapat has lived with asthma and eczema since childhood, diagnosed at just two in India.

After moving to Canada, he recalls missing school due to asthma symptoms and experiencing periods of intense illness, but also symptom-free stretches when he played sports and hiked.

One vivid memory for Vibhas was a severe asthma attack during a walk home from school, when his neighbor had to bring him home.

“The one thing I most remember is not the asthma episode itself, but losing control of my bladder in her nice new car. I was ashamed, mortified. I was all the things a pre-teen could be, but she could not have been more kind.”

Asthma continued to affect Vibhas into adulthood. As a father of two children with asthma, he understands the complexities of managing the condition as both a patient and caregiver.

“One of the best resources I found, as someone living with asthma and as a caregiver, is Asthma Canada.”

Because of the support he received from Asthma Canada, Vibhas joined as a volunteer in 2016 and has since served as Board Chair, helping to advance critical initiatives in research, education, and support.

His vision for Asthma Canada is clear: to empower individuals with asthma and their caregivers with the knowledge to live symptom-free lives.

For his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of people with asthma, Vibhas was recently awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This prestigious honor recognizes his leadership, volunteerism, and lasting impact in advancing asthma education, support, and awareness across Canada.

Congratulations Vibhas!

27/01/2025

"I’ve been a paramedic for over 22 years, but nothing prepared me for March 17, 2022—the day I lost Amanda, my partner, my friend, and an incredible mother, to a fatal asthma attack. She was just 36 years old.

Amanda was healthy, active, and full of life. She had asthma but believed it was under control. She was waiting for a specialist appointment, but it came too late—arriving in the mail the day after she died. She never got the chance to get the care she needed.

Asthma is often underestimated, yet more than 250 Canadians lose their lives to it every year. It’s called the silent killer for a reason—but we can’t stay silent anymore."

- Gary Staples, Amanda's Fiancée.

Amanda’s story is a heartbreaking reminder that asthma is serious and can be deadly. If you or someone you love has asthma, don’t ignore the warning signs. Talk to your doctor, stay on top of your treatment, and push for timely care. No one should have to lose a loved one to this disease.

"Asthma is not a disease that attracts much attention, but I urge you to pay more attention—so we can avoid tragic and unnecessary deaths, like Amanda’s."

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