Asthma, often seen as a manageable condition, has the potential to become fatal in an instant. This harsh reality was brought to light by the heartbreaking death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons in 2012. Ryan, a vibrant young boy who loved motorcycle rides and exploring the woods, tragically lost his life due to an asthma attack at school.
On October 9, 2012, Ryan attended his usual day of school in Elgin County, Ontario, but never made it home. While playing football with his friends, Ryan suddenly suffered an asthma attack. In that critical moment, he desperately needed his inhaler, which was kept in the school office for safety reasons. Unfortunately, a crucial mistake was made: his inhaler had been stolen.
Ryan had been forced to leave his spare inhaler at home due to the school’s strict policy of locking all asthma medications in the principal’s office. Despite his mother Sandra’s repeated requests, including providing a doctor’s note, the school refused to let Ryan carry his inhaler. Sandra recalls countless calls from the school about Ryan being caught with his inhaler, only for it to be confiscated each time. These policies, which were intended to protect the students, tragically had the opposite effect.
That fateful day, Ryan’s friends rushed to the office to retrieve the inhaler, but by the time they returned, it was too late. Ryan collapsed and, despite efforts to revive him, passed away.
Ryan’s death sent shockwaves through the entire community. The investigation revealed that, despite Sandra’s insistence, the school’s regulations about inhalers had contributed to her son’s tragic death. In her grief, Sandra vowed to make sure no other family would endure the same loss.
In Ryan’s memory, Sandra launched a petition to push for new asthma management policies in schools across Ontario. Her relentless advocacy led to the creation of Ryan’s Law, a piece of legislation ensuring that students are allowed to carry their asthma inhalers with them, with a doctor’s approval. The bill was widely supported and became a turning point in asthma awareness and management.
Sandra’s victory meant that schools in Ontario, and eventually across Canada, were required to allow children to carry their inhalers during the school day. Dr. Rob Oliphant, president of the Asthma Society, hailed the bill’s passage as a major step forward in protecting children with asthma.
Asthma continues to be a leading cause of preventable death, with more than 10 people dying from it in the United States every day. While the overall number of asthma-related deaths has decreased in recent years, the fact remains that asthma can be fatal, and easy access to life-saving medication is essential.
Ryan’s story, although tragic, sparked a nationwide conversation about asthma management in schools. Thanks to Sandra Gibbons’ determination, Ryan’s death led to lasting change that has saved countless lives. As we remember Ryan, it’s crucial to spread awareness about the importance of immediate access to inhalers for children suffering from asthma. His legacy lives on in the lives of many, and his story continues to inspire efforts to make schools safer for children with asthma.
Please share this story to honor Ryan and raise awareness about the risks of asthma attacks and the importance of having quick access to asthma medication.
