Penny Grant’s Asthma Story 

Penny Grant’s journey with asthma began unexpectedly in her early 50s. At the time, she was already familiar with asthma because her son had it as a child. While her son’s asthma eventually improved, Penny’s own condition became a challenge, shaping her experiences and ultimately inspiring her to become an advocate for others facing similar battles. 

“I was working as the director of the Vancouver Island Regional Library when I first developed asthma. Libraries can be dusty, but it wasn’t the dust that made me cough—it was asthma,” Penny recalls. She sought help from her general practitioner, who referred her to an asthma specialist. The medications she was prescribed helped at first, but a virus she contracted years later worsened her asthma significantly. It was then that she turned to Asthma Canada, where she found guidance, camaraderie, and strength to advocate for herself. 

A key figure in her asthma journey was Bill, a fellow Asthma Society member from Nova Scotia, whose humor and insight brought some light to Penny’s experience. “We had a lot of chats. I remember him saying once that a treatment was ‘about as useful as a dead fish on his head.’ 

When Penny’s respirologist referred her for a pulmonary function test and she faced delays, Bill’s advice to “self-advocate” resonated with her. Determined, she wrote letters to her local health authority and government officials, which ultimately expedited her test. This pivotal moment reinforced Penny’s belief in the power of self-advocacy. 

Following the test results, Penny was referred to a severe asthma specialist in Vancouver. Despite the long journey to see him, the effort was worth it. Her Specialist prescribed a biologic treatment that proved to be life-changing for Penny. “After a couple of months on the biologic, I rarely coughed – they gave me my life back.”  

One of the most rewarding experiences following getting in control of her asthma, was a two-week RV trip to Drumheller, Alberta, with her grandsons. “I even climbed to the top of the world’s tallest dinosaur and didn’t cough.”  

While Penny now manages her asthma well, she has faced significant challenges along the way. “My biggest challenge was coughing. Having a coughing fit in public, especially in the theater, was tough. I always carry cough drops and Kleenex now, just in case.” 

The COVID-19 pandemic also brought anxiety. “I was really worried I’d get a bad case because of my asthma. Thankfully, I got vaccinated early, and I haven’t had COVID so far.”  

Throughout her journey, Penny’s advocacy and connection with other asthma patients have been a source of support. She fondly recalls the monthly conference calls with Asthma Canada members, where they shared stories, treatments, and even moments of laughter—although “laughing often triggered coughing fits.”  

“Talking to others with asthma made me feel supported. I think it’s so important to create a network where people can share their experiences and support each other.”  

Her hope for the future of asthma care is for greater awareness and more research, particularly about adult asthma. “People seem to know a lot about childhood asthma, but it can be just as challenging for adults. I’d love to help spread the word that asthma affects adults too, but you don’t have to suffer. It can be treated.” 

Despite having had asthma for years, many of Penny’s friends are often unaware of her condition, a testament to how well-managed it is today. However, she knows the importance of continuous support and has committed to being a donor to Asthma Canada. “I think it’s important to support charities, especially those that are meaningful to you. I hope my donations help Asthma Canada continue its work and show others that it’s an organization worth supporting.” 

For nearly 15 years, Penny has been a dedicated community advocate for Asthma Canada. Penny played a key role in establishing the National Asthma Patient Alliance (now the Asthma Canada Member Alliance) and participated in advocacy days on the Hill in Ottawa. She has contributed insights to various Asthma Canada publications like the Patient Bill of Rights and advocated for access to essential medications.

Now effectively managing her asthma, Penny engages with the community through Asthma Canada, emphasizing the need for greater awareness of adult asthma.

Penny’s journey from asthma sufferer to patient advocate has been one of resilience, learning, and community. She hopes her story can inspire others to advocate for themselves, seek support, and realize that, with the right treatment, life with asthma doesn’t have to hold anyone back. 

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.