Vibhas Bapat: Chairing Change at Asthma Canada

Vibhas Bapat has lived with asthma and eczema his entire life. Diagnosed at the age of two while living in India, Vibhas experienced firsthand the challenges of managing a chronic respiratory condition from a young age.

After moving to Canada, he grew up in the Maritimes and recalls the difficulties he faced, including missing school due to asthma symptoms.

Because asthma has no cure and is a chronic disease, Vibhas experienced many ups and downs. He went through symptom-free periods that would last for months when he played sports, lifted weights, and hiked extensively. But he also endured weeks of intense illness, during which he says he literally “wheeze[d] through life.”

He recalls one occasion in grade school when he experienced a severe asthma attack while walking home from school. Luckily, a neighbor came along in her car and gave him a ride home. “The one thing I most remember is not the asthma episode itself, but losing control of my bladder in her nice new car. I was ashamed, mortified. I was all the things a pre-teen could be. And terribly embarrassed to meet her again afterward, but she could not have been more kind.”

Despite these challenges, Vibhas pursued higher education in Atlantic Canada and later moved to Toronto, where he built a successful career with 25 years of experience in sales and marketing.

Asthma remained a constant presence in Vibhas’s life, with symptoms resurfacing in adulthood. As a father of two children who also live with asthma, Vibhas understands the complexities of managing asthma not only as a patient but also as a caregiver. “Three out of four of us have asthma,” he says, “leaving my wife to sometimes care for all three of us.” This dual perspective has fueled his passion for advocacy, education, and support within the asthma community.

Vibhas believes that asthma is often misunderstood, even among those who live with the condition. One of the most significant challenges, he notes, is the tendency for individuals to rely on reliever medications during symptomatic episodes rather than adhering to daily controller treatments essential for long-term management. “If your asthma is properly controlled, you should not have symptoms. If you are experiencing them, it indicates that your asthma is not well-managed, and you should consult your healthcare professional.”

For Vibhas, education is key. He advocates for continuous learning about asthma management, especially for caregivers. “One of the best resources I have found, as someone living with asthma and as a caregiver, is Asthma Canada. There are support systems that are better and more extensive than when I was growing up.”

Vibhas Bapat joined Asthma Canada as a volunteer in 2016, and his unwavering commitment to the organization has propelled him to his current role as Chair of the Board. In this capacity, he generously contributes his time and expertise to advance critical initiatives in research, advocacy, education, and support. Vibhas is proud to collaborate with a dedicated board that shares his passion for improving the lives of those affected by asthma.

Vibhas’s vision for Asthma Canada is clear: to empower individuals with asthma and their caregivers with the knowledge and tools needed to live symptom-free lives. He is a firm believer that with proper management, living well with asthma is achievable.

For his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of people with asthma—as both a lifelong patient and advocate—Vibhas was recently awarded the prestigious  King Charles III Coronation Medal. This national honour recognizes his leadership, volunteerism, and impact in advancing asthma education, support, and awareness across Canada.

Vibhas speaking at Asthma Canada’s 50th Anniversary: 

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.