On Feb. 17, 2018, Javan Allison took a shower and wrote “help me” on the steamy bathroom mirror with his finger. He was struggling to breathe and having a severe asthma attack.
“We took him to the emergency room and they could not get him to breathe,” remembered his mom Monique Cooper-Allison. “Normally, we would catch his asthma attacks and be in the emergency room for a couple of hours. This time, he was in the ICU for a week.”
Photo credit: Monique Cooper-Allison.
During the week in the hospital, Javan and his parents talked a lot about how he feels during an asthma attack.
“Mommy, I feel like an astronaut in outer space,” Javan said. “As I try to get closer to the moon, my cough gets worse. There is a pain in my chest as if a small meteor rock cracked my helmet. I need oxygen.”
Javan and his parents recognize all too well that asthma is a life and death situation. He was 2 years old when he had his first asthma attack. He collapsed, and they took him to the emergency room.
Asthma is a chronic illness. For most people, asthma can be managed with proper treatment and care. Yet, it is a serious condition and can be life-threatening. Each day, 10 people die from asthma. AAFA needs your support so we can continue to save lives and reduce asthma deaths. Families like Javan’s need the support and education that AAFA provides.
Thanks to your support, Javan and his parents have learned a lot about how to manage his asthma. Every day, twice a day, he uses a long-term control inhaler and every two weeks he gets a shot. They diligently avoid his triggers, watch the weather and rely on information from AAFA. And he always carries his quick-relief inhaler.
Photo credit: Monique Cooper-Allison
Today, Javan is 10 years old. In addition to asthma, he has eczema and several food, pet and environmental allergies. He loves to play football, baseball, basketball and runs track. He likes to build things with his hands, and his favorite subject is math. And he is a big supporter of AAFA.
You can help AAFA continue to improve the lives of adults and children living with asthma. Please join with us and give generously before the end of the year. Donations allow us to offer life-saving information, support, advocacy and research.
If you prefer to mail a check instead of giving online, please postmark your gift by Dec. 31, and send it to:
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
1235 South Clark Street, Suite 305
Arlington, VA 22202
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