Asthma attacks can pose serious risks, highlighted by the heartbreaking case of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons. In 2012, Ryan experienced an asthma attack while at school and was unable to reach his inhaler, which was locked in the principal’s office due to school regulations. Despite the desperate attempts of his friends to help him retrieve it, Ryan collapsed and tragically did not survive. His mother, Sandra Gibbons, had consistently advocated for the school to permit Ryan to carry his inhaler, but her requests were repeatedly denied.
Fueled by the desire to prevent such tragedies from happening to others, Sandra took action and fought for legal reform. Her efforts culminated in the enactment of Ryan’s Law, which allows children to carry their inhalers at school with a doctor’s authorization.
Asthma continues to be a critical health issue, and tragic outcomes still occur due to limited access to necessary medications. Ryan’s story serves as a poignant and powerful reminder of the importance of policy changes like Ryan’s Law to protect children’s health and well-being.
