Clean Air, Not Just for Me

When I was 8 years old I could not keep up with the other kids during Little League Baseball. I had trouble breathing. I would always get so choked up during my games, nobody knew what was going on.

It was not clear if I would be fine or if I would end up on the ground while attempting to run to first base.  It was scary as a kid not knowing what was going to happen next.

My mom took me to a lung specialist where I was evaluated and diagnosed with Exercise Induced Asthma. I was put on a maxair autohaler and had to use it before practice and games. I even had to use it prior to playing with my friends, just so I could breathe and keep up with them.

I haven’t had to use my inhaler since I was 15, and I am now 23. My asthma is under control and I play basketball once a week and try to run at least three times a week. I am fortunate to be active and have the opportunity to play sports with my friends without worrying about losing my breath and feeling exhausted.

Even though I have been able to manage my asthma, others are not as lucky. I believe it is important for me to speak up for all asthmatics and others with different lung diseases, who all are affected by the quality of the air. That is why I support the American Lung Association’s efforts to ensure the air we breathe is clean and safe. No one should be put into danger by being forced to breathe unhealthy, polluted air and it is our duty to protect others by making our air clean and healthy.

Contact your elected officials and help keep the air clean and healthy for all Pennsylvanians; we all deserve it.

 -Matt Lamson