Asthma and its attacks can be incredibly dangerous, even life-threatening. The heart-wrenching story of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons serves as a poignant reminder of this reality.
Ryan was a lively young boy with a passion for motorbikes and exploring the woods, a zest for life that was sadly cut short by a fatal mistake.
In 2012, Ryan experienced a severe asthma attack while at school. It was a typical day for the seventh grader, but tragically, he never returned home.
While playing soccer, Ryan needed immediate access to his inhaler to alleviate his symptoms, but his inhaler was out of reach, locked away in the school office.
His friends valiantly attempted to rush him to the office, but time was against them, and they could not get the inhaler to Ryan in time. He lost consciousness, and despite their efforts, he never regained it.
This tragic event took place at Elgin Country School in Ontario, Canada, a calamity that resonated deeply, touching the heart of the nation. Investigations revealed that the school’s policy banned Ryan from carrying his inhaler, despite his mother’s persistent efforts and a doctor’s prescriptions.
Asthma attacks can be unpredictable, and having quick access to an inhaler is vital. However, the school continued to confiscate the spare inhalers that Ryan would bring along to ensure his safety.
Sandra Gibbons, Ryan’s mother, expressed her frustration and sorrow in repeated calls from the school, asking her to retrieve the inhaler that Ryan brought.
“Even though he needed it, when caught with an inhaler, it was always taken away,” Sandra shared with CBC.
A policy required prescriptions to be stored in the office, a regulation that had devastating consequences for Ryan.
However, Ryan’s story was not in vain. His mother, Sandra, inspired by profound grief, launched a campaign to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
Following Ryan’s funeral, she initiated a petition aiming to mandate standardized asthma management plans in schools across Ontario. Her advocacy played a crucial role in introducing a private member’s bill led by Progressive Conservative Jeff Yurek, known as Ryan’s Law.
“Losing Ryan was like losing everything I lived for,” shared Gibbons with Allergic Living. “His asthma attack was preventable. With proper training and vigilance, he might still be here.”
As a result of her relentless efforts, Ryan’s Law, Bill 135, received unanimous support in the legislature, requiring schools to allow children to carry their inhalers with a doctor’s approval.
“I’m overwhelmed and incredibly grateful. I’m thrilled that measures are now in place to protect other children,” said a relieved Sandra.
The Asthma Society endorsed the bill’s passage as Dr. Rob Oliphant, its president, highlighted the critical need for children to have ready access to life-saving medication while at school.
In the United States, similar laws exist to ensure children have access to their inhalers at all times, yet some schools still enforce restrictions under generalized anti-drug rules.
Asthma presents a grave challenge, with over 10 American lives claimed each day due to asthma-related complications.
Ryan’s story is a painful reminder of the critical importance of accessibility for asthma medications. Though his passing is deeply saddening, it has catalyzed important reforms that have saved many other children’s lives.
Let us remember Ryan by spreading awareness about the significance of accessible asthma care in schools. It is vital to inform and protect the lives of those who might otherwise find themselves without necessary medical support in a crisis.
Share this story to honor Ryan’s memory and make a positive change for children everywhere.
