In 2012, 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons went to school like any other day—but he never came home.
Ryan suffered an asthma attack while playing soccer at school. His life-saving inhaler, however, had been locked in the school office under school policy. Despite his friends’ desperate efforts to get help, they couldn’t reach it in time. Ryan died before he could receive the medication he needed.
His mother, Sandra Gibbons, had repeatedly asked the school to let Ryan carry his inhaler, even providing a doctor’s note, but the school continued confiscating any extra inhalers he brought.
Determined to prevent another tragedy, Sandra campaigned for change. Her efforts led to Ryan’s Law (Bill 135) in Ontario, requiring schools to allow students with a doctor’s note to carry their inhalers.
Ryan’s story remains a heartbreaking reminder that quick access to life-saving medication can mean the difference between life and death.