The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) conducted the My Life With Asthma survey to highlight the challenges people with asthma, especially severe asthma, face. We found that people with asthma have concerns beyond their physical health. Many deal with fear and worry.

Asthma and allergies affect more than 60 million Americans. Allergic disease, which includes asthma, is the fifth leading chronic disease in the U.S. They can impact you socially, emotionally and financially. But asthma and allergies don't have to define you. But working with your doctor and following your treatment plan, you can thrive and do many of the things you enjoy doing.

Lakia Shavon Lightner has vivid memories from her childhood of visits to the emergency room at 2 in the morning. She has had severe asthma and allergies for as long as she can remember. She grew up in Hartford, but now lives in East Hartford, Connecticut, our #13 Asthma Capital for 2019.