I started working for American Lung Association nine years ago as the director of the residential week-long asthma camp in Kansas.  At the time I didn’t know a lot about asthma but had lots of experience directing camps.  I quickly learned how serious asthma is and the effects of not enough patient education.  Because we made sure the campers were well-managed while at camp, kids who usually couldn’t be “normal” kids because their asthma wasn’t in control, could ride horses, take a hay-rack ride, swim, play basketball and many other things.  One camper even said for once he was glad he had asthma.  He finally got to do fun things.

That experience led me to working full-time for ALA promoting programs that provide asthma education for children.  Lack of education and compliance to guidelines causes children to miss school, parents to miss work, unnecessary medical costs & tragic deaths.  Having always been an advocate for children, I believe that kids should be empowered to manage their disease by providing essential asthma education.

My mother-in-law was recently diagnosed with COPD.  With medication, she is able to lead a fairly normal life.  It was hard to watch her struggle to breathe and do simple tasks before her diagnosis.  ALA provides patient support groups and research into this life-changing disease.

I know people who have succumbed to or are suffering from lung cancer.  Some are or were smokers; others not.  Regardless, the disease is devastating.  Helping smokers addicted to nicotine break free of those chains is rewarding.  

I believe that providing patient education is paramount to reducing the effects of lung disease.  The ALA programs empower people to take control of their lives.

Tyler Carroll was chosen to meet with Chris Draft in Kansas City for several reasons.  Not only does he have asthma but he also suffers from cystic fibrosis, another debilitating lung disease.  He is also a big football fan.  His school participates in American Lung Association’s asthma education program Open Airways for Schools.  Tyler will be enrolled in one of those classes next spring.  His school nurse described him as a good, sweet kid.