Asthma attacks can be unpredictable, and in some cases, they can be life-threatening. The tragic story of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons is a stark reminder of the dangers asthma patients face when they don’t have immediate access to their life-saving medication.
Ryan, a bright and active young boy who loved soccer and motorbikes, tragically lost his life in 2012 due to an asthma attack at school. The incident occurred when Ryan was playing soccer and suddenly experienced an asthma episode. Although he needed his inhaler, the medication was locked in the school office, as per the school’s policy. Unfortunately, Ryan’s extra inhalers had been repeatedly confiscated by the school, despite efforts from his mother, Sandra Gibbons, to ensure he had one readily available.
Ryan’s friends attempted to carry him to the office to get the inhaler, but they couldn’t reach it in time. Ryan passed out and, tragically, never regained consciousness.
A Preventable Tragedy
The incident took place at Elgin Country School in Ontario, Canada, and sent shockwaves through the nation. An investigation revealed that despite a doctor’s note and repeated requests from Ryan’s mother, the school did not allow him to keep his inhaler with him. According to Sandra, Ryan often brought extra inhalers to school in an attempt to bypass this rule, but they were continually taken away.
The situation was frustrating for Sandra, who didn’t realize that the school’s policy required all prescribed medication to be kept in the office. As a result, Ryan was left without his inhaler when he needed it the most, leading to his untimely death.
A Change in Legislation: Ryan’s Law
In the wake of her son’s death, Sandra Gibbons vowed to prevent other families from experiencing the same tragedy. She began a petition calling for the Ontario government to adopt standardized asthma management plans for schools. She also supported the passage of a bill from Progressive Conservative Jeff Yurek, which aimed to change the rules around inhaler access in schools.
Her tireless advocacy led to the creation of Ryan’s Law (Bill 135), which was passed with support from all political parties. This law mandates that schools allow children with asthma to carry their inhalers with them, as long as they have a doctor’s note. Sandra’s efforts were a turning point for many children with asthma, ensuring that they could access their medication when it mattered most.
A National Issue
While Canada has made progress with Ryan’s Law, the situation is still concerning in some parts of the world. In the U.S., every state has laws that allow students to carry their inhalers, yet some schools still prevent access to these life-saving devices due to blanket anti-drug policies. With more than 10 Americans dying each day from asthma, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure that children have immediate access to their medications.
A Lasting Legacy
Ryan’s death, while tragic, sparked a movement that has saved countless lives. Sandra Gibbons’ determination to honor her son’s memory and fight for change has made a lasting impact. Ryan’s Law has helped thousands of children with asthma, ensuring they no longer face the same barriers to life-saving medication that Ryan did.
The story of Ryan Gibbons reminds us of the importance of having immediate access to critical medications, especially in environments like schools where children spend much of their time. Asthma is a serious condition, and every attack can be fatal if not managed properly.
Please share this story to raise awareness and honor Ryan’s legacy. Let’s ensure that no more children have to face the dangers that Ryan did.
