Asthma is a serious condition, and every asthma attack has the potential to be life-threatening. The heartbreaking story of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons, who tragically passed away in 2012 due to a preventable asthma attack, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of proper asthma management in schools.
A Devastating Day
On October 9, 2012, Ryan Gibbons, a seventh-grade student from Ontario, Canada, headed to school like any other day. However, while playing soccer at school, he suffered an asthma attack. Desperately needing his inhaler, Ryan couldn’t access it because of a school policy that required all medications to be locked in the principal’s office.
Ryan’s friends tried to carry him to the office, but they couldn’t get there in time. Tragically, Ryan collapsed and never regained consciousness.
The School’s Policy
Ryan’s death highlighted a flawed school policy that prohibited students from keeping inhalers with them. Despite his mother, Sandra Gibbons, providing doctor’s notes and repeatedly urging the school to allow Ryan to carry his inhaler, the policy remained unchanged.
To bypass this restriction, Ryan often brought extra inhalers to school. However, the school confiscated these inhalers and informed Sandra, further limiting Ryan’s ability to access life-saving medication during emergencies.
Turning Tragedy into Advocacy
Ryan’s death devastated his family, but his mother Sandra turned her grief into action. She launched a campaign to prevent other families from enduring the same tragedy. Sandra started a petition calling for standardized asthma management plans in Ontario schools.
Her efforts gained traction, and with the support of Progressive Conservative MPP Jeff Yurek, Ryan’s Law (Bill 135) was introduced. The law mandates that children with asthma are allowed to carry their inhalers on them at all times, provided they have a doctor’s note.
The Passage of Ryan’s Law
In 2015, Ryan’s Law was passed with unanimous support in the Ontario legislature. The law ensures that students with asthma can access their rescue medication immediately, potentially saving countless lives.
Sandra expressed relief and gratitude, saying, “I’m very emotional, very happy it’s going to be implemented.” The Asthma Society of Canada also applauded the legislation, emphasizing the critical importance of immediate access to asthma medication.
Asthma Awareness: A Global Issue
Ryan’s story is a sobering reminder that asthma is a significant health concern. In the United States, more than 10 people die every day from asthma-related complications. While all U.S. states allow students to carry their inhalers, some schools still impose restrictive anti-drug policies that inadvertently put children at risk.
Asthma attacks can occur without warning, and ensuring children have unrestricted access to their inhalers is essential to prevent unnecessary tragedies.
A Legacy of Change
Ryan Gibbons’ story is a heartbreaking example of how a single preventable incident can lead to meaningful change. Thanks to his mother’s determination, thousands of children now have better access to life-saving medication in Ontario schools.
Asthma can be fatal, but with proper management and policies like Ryan’s Law, we can reduce the risk of preventable deaths. Let Ryan’s story inspire us to advocate for the health and safety of children everywhere.
Share Ryan’s Story
Let’s honor Ryan’s memory by sharing his story. By raising awareness about the dangers of asthma and the importance of access to medication, we can help prevent future tragedies. Spread the word to ensure no child is ever denied the tools they need to stay safe.