The tragic death of 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons from an asthma attack in 2012 highlighted the dangers of not having immediate access to life-saving medication. Despite Ryan’s attempts to manage his asthma, his inhaler had been stolen, and the school policy prevented him from carrying one.
On that fateful day, he couldn’t reach the inhaler in time during an attack at school, and after fainting, he passed away. His mother, Sandra Gibbons, fought tirelessly to change regulations, leading to the introduction of “Ryan’s Law,” which requires schools to allow children to carry their inhalers with them, supported by a doctor’s note. This law has saved countless lives by ensuring that children have access to their asthma medication when needed, preventing further tragedies like Ryan’s.