Asthma can be life-threatening, as shown by the tragic death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons in 2012.
Ryan suffered a fatal asthma attack at school in Ontario. His inhaler, locked in the office due to school policy, was out of reach during the emergency. Despite efforts by his mother and a doctor’s note, the school repeatedly confiscated his spare inhalers.
After his death, Ryan’s mother, Sandra Gibbons, campaigned for change. Her efforts led to the passing of Ryan’s Law, allowing Ontario students to carry inhalers with a doctor’s note.
The law aims to prevent similar tragedies, but in many places, outdated policies still restrict life-saving access to asthma medication — despite asthma killing over 10 Americans daily. Every asthma death is potentially preventable.