As the holidays approach, children’s excitement grows…there’s so much joy and magic in the air.

But for children with asthma like Hannah, potential triggers and symptoms mean that parents must use extra care in managing their children’s disease. Sadly, asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization for children in Canada, and the hospital is no place for a child to spend the holidays.

Asthma Canada is committed to education, advocacy, and research as we celebrate 50 remarkable years of helping Canadians affected by asthma lead healthy lives.

Girl with Asthma holding her spacer and inhaler
Hannah and Gianna

Hannah (Left) and  Gianna (Right)

This holiday season, please support Canadians living with asthma by leaving gift to ensure that Asthma Canada can continue to provide vital education, research, and advocacy.

Through your gifts to Asthma Canada, you’re supporting 4.6 million Canadians living with asthma, including 900,000 children. This support is especially meaningful for those living with severe asthma, a rare form of this chronic illness.

Children like Hannah have faced significant challenges. She was less than a year old when she began having breathing difficulties and frequent illnesses. Her family often rushed her to the emergency room before receiving a diagnosis, and it was heart-wrenching to see her struggle for breath. After being referred to a specialized asthma clinic, Hannah finally received the care she needed, which became a lifeline for her family.

When Hannah’s younger sister, Gianna, was also diagnosed with asthma, their mother became educated on managing the illness. With severe asthma, maintaining control of the disease is more challenging, often requiring multiple medications at higher doses. For both girls, staying on top of their medication has been key to managing their condition.

Following her medication routine has helped Hannah reduce flare-ups, allowing her to participate in daily activities. However, her asthma flare-ups are often triggered by sports.

After facing a time of fear and uncertainty, Hannah’s family found the educational resources and support they needed from organizations like Asthma Canada. They are now actively involved in helping develop new resources for families dealing with asthma.

There is a pressing need to increase awareness of asthma and its life-threatening consequences among healthcare professionals. More training and awareness can bridge the gap in understanding and ensure faster, more effective treatment for children with asthma.

Your holiday gift is vital to support Asthma Canada’s advocacy, research, education, and support services so that more Canadians can control their symptoms and enjoy their lives.

Thank you for generously helping Canadians with asthma today and Happy Holidays from all us here at Asthma Canada!