Christmas Appeal 2011
Did you know that asthma is the most common chronic disease amongst Australian children and that at present there is no known cure?
Please support our commitment to asthma and respiratory research in 2012 and help us raise $75,000 by donating to the Asthma Foundation WA 2011 Christmas Appeal. 100% of your donation will go toward our 2012 research grants.
Simply click on this link to make your donation - every little bit helps:
http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/asthmaresearch
A real life asthma story...
In April of 2011, Nicholas, who is only six years old, suffered a life threatening asthma attack which left him clinging for life in a regional West Australian hospital for three long days.
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Nicholas’ mother Rachael is no stranger to asthma; her husband Troy, oldest son Devin (12) and daughter Brittany (10) all suffer from severe asthma.
It was a Wednesday afternoon when Nicholas came down with a head cold whilst at school. That night, Nicholas’ condition deteriorated and what started as a normal head cold had now become pneumonia.
Nicholas was unable to attend school on Thursday due to his condition and by Thursday night, his asthma had flared up drastically – he then suffered what Rachael has described as the worst asthma attack she has ever seen. |
“Nicholas had suffered asthma attacks before but this time I knew it was serious, as I watched his face discolour and saw him gasping for air”, said Rachael.
He was rushed into the emergency ward, where doctors administered a staggering twelve puffs of Nicholas’ reliever medication every ten minutes.
Despite trying his hardest to put on a brave face, Nicholas was clearly horrified by what was going on, as he had an oxygen mask over his face, as well as numerous cables and monitors hooked up to him- a terrifying experience for anyone, let alone a six year old boy.
Rachael never left his side throughout the whole three days, citing that she just couldn’t leave her six year old son alone in such a state.
“Nicholas was very scared because he could see how worried I was”, Rachael said.
Three days after being admitted to hospital, much to Nicholas’ excitement he was allowed to go home and reunite with his dad, brother and sister.
FACT: Asthma Foundation WA funded research lead to the breakthrough discovery that swimming is one of the most effective exercise activities to improve ones asthma.
AFWA needs your support in order to continue funding world leading asthma research. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Please donate today.