By managing her asthma effectively, Dallas firmly believes that “Asthma does not define who you are or what you can accomplish”. 

Dallas Lockhart is a 20-year-old from Toronto, Ontario studying Community Social Services at the University of Guelph-Humber. Through perseverance, a positive mindset, and a strong support system, she has not only learned to manage her asthma but has used her experiences to inspire others.

At the age of nine, Dallas began experiencing common symptoms of asthma such as shortness of breath and tightness in the chest, especially during physical activities. Her parents, who are strong advocates for sports, initially struggled to understand the severity of their daughter’s symptoms. When her symptoms began to escalate, Dallas was taken to her family doctor where she was diagnosed as having asthma. From that point, Dallas began using asthma medications, which she and her parents jokingly referred to as “dinner and dessert”.

Living with asthma and staying active wasn’t always easy. “Some of the girls in school would call me a tomato because my face would turn bright red after running or some would say, ‘you’re a slow poke’”. Such comments made her doubt her abilities because of asthma. “When you’re the slowest person in the race, it gets a little bit defeating at times”. Despite these thoughts, the idea of asthma limiting her involvement in sports didn’t sit well with Dallas. “I really wanted to show my parents I could do anything, and I wanted them to be proud of me”. She persevered and continued participating in volleyball, basketball, and soccer. This commitment not only helped her control her asthma but strengthened her lung capacity too.

Dallas mentioned many times that without her support system, she wouldn’t be as confident in herself, nor her capabilities to continue playing sports while living with asthma. “My parents were my number one supporters, and my gym teacher really understood my condition and was always there for me, even when I felt discouraged.” Her sister, who was in competitive track and field, also served as a major inspiration, encouraging Dallas to push past her limits and remain active. She mentions that “I always looked up to my sister, I wanted to be like her”, and while she knew she couldn’t always be the fastest in the race, she could continue to try.

As time passed, Dallas lessened her physical activity to focus on her studies and her family, reducing her asthma symptoms. However, in 2020, she experienced a common cold and sinus infection that led to a severe, and very unexpected asthma attack. As it had been several years without experiencing symptoms, Dallas hadn’t renewed her puffers, which left her with no medication to relieve her symptoms. She was throwing up, couldn’t breathe, and was rushed to a clinic While the doctors were able to help her, she says “this made me open my eyes; just because I don’t have symptoms, doesn’t mean my asthma is gone”.

This event led Dallas to take charge of her asthma management by renewing her asthma medication and being more proactive about her health. “Dust, pet fur, smoke and even unfamiliar environments can trigger my flare-ups,” she explains. Dallas has learned to keep her home clean and uses air purifiers to manage triggers. As for physical activity, Dallas is continuously working toward managing her symptoms. While cardio remains a struggle, “I’m finding ways to tweak my exercises to fit the needs of my body, I even have a personal trainer who’s been helping me out with that”. She also recently found a new passion for yoga, which puts less strain on her lungs, but allows her to stay active. “It’s all about listening to your body and adjusting things to fit with your life”.

Dallas is not only managing her asthma but is using her experiences to help others with asthma, especially the young children she works with. She wants to follow her supporters’ footsteps by encouraging others and inflicting positivity in young one’s minds, as opposed to negative ones. She always says, “Just because you have asthma doesn’t mean you are limited…You can do anything, and you have me as a support system”.

While there were times when Dallas was embarrassed of her asthma, she says she now embraces it as “part of who I am”. In times of doubt, she reminds herself that, “we all have our strengths, and we all have our weaknesses…asthma doesn’t define me”.

Dallas hopes her story inspires others to reach out to support organizations, like Asthma Canada, utilize their resources, and share their own journeys with asthma because,

“Everyone is different, and all people need support”.

If you have questions on managing your asthma and allergies during wildfire season, please contact our free HelpLine at 1-866-787-4050 or info@asthma.ca. Our team of asthma and allergy experts will happily assist you with your asthma control and help put your mind at ease.