The heartbreaking death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons from an asthma attack sparked a campaign that led to the creation of “Ryan’s Law,” ensuring children have access to life-saving medication at school.
Asthma is a condition that many live with, but for some, a sudden asthma attack can be fatal. The tragic death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons is a devastating reminder of the danger of asthma attacks and the importance of having quick access to life-saving medication.
Ryan was a spirited and active boy who loved motorbikes and hiking. Unfortunately, on October 9, 2012, during a soccer game at school, Ryan experienced an asthma attack that would take his life.
The Tragic Incident
Ryan had an inhaler to manage his asthma, but due to the school’s strict policy, his inhaler was locked in the principal’s office. When Ryan began to struggle for air, his friends tried to help by carrying him to the office, but they couldn’t reach the inhaler in time.
The policy at Ryan’s school, Elgin Country School in Ontario, Canada, required that all inhalers be kept in the office, and Ryan was not allowed to keep one with him despite his condition. Tragically, his extra inhalers were repeatedly taken from him by school staff, even though his mother had provided a doctor’s note requesting that he be allowed to carry one for emergencies.
As Ryan’s breathing became more labored, he lost consciousness and, despite efforts, was not revived. His death shocked the nation and brought attention to the risks that children with asthma face when they don’t have immediate access to their inhalers.
A Mother’s Fight for Change
Ryan’s mother, Sandra Gibbons, was heartbroken by the loss of her son but found the strength to turn her grief into action. After the tragedy, she started a petition to the Ontario government urging them to create standardized asthma management plans for schools, ensuring that children would be allowed to carry their inhalers with them at all times.
Sandra’s tireless efforts led to the introduction of Ryan’s Law (Bill 135), a law that requires schools to allow children to keep their inhalers in their pockets or backpacks with a doctor’s note. This law has now passed with unanimous support and is set to protect countless children from the same fate that befell Ryan.
“I’m definitely overwhelmed, very emotional, very happy it’s going to be implemented,” Sandra said after the law was passed. “After burying my son, I knew that this was a preventable attack. To me, if people had appropriate training and knew what to look for when a child was in distress, he would be here today.”
The Importance of Access to Inhalers
Ryan’s story is a tragic reminder that asthma can be a life-threatening condition, and that children must have immediate access to their medication in times of need. Across the U.S., every state now has laws that allow students to carry their inhalers at all times. Unfortunately, many schools still deny access to these life-saving devices due to blanket anti-drug policies.
Asthma-related deaths remain a significant concern, with more than 10 Americans dying each day from asthma attacks. While death rates have decreased in the past decade, each death is preventable, especially when proper management and access to medication are ensured.
A Lasting Legacy
Thanks to Sandra Gibbons’ dedication, Ryan’s tragic death has led to real change that will save lives. Ryan’s Law has ensured that no other child will have to suffer from the same fate due to a lack of access to their inhaler.
As Sandra so poignantly said, “When Ryan passed away, it was like losing everything that I lived for.” But her strength and determination to make a change have helped prevent other families from experiencing the same heartache.
