Country Hearts!

Daphnee 10 years old and asthmatic.

«Having asthma is very difficult. We had to give away my two cats, Aramis and Charlotte. Sometimes, I can't even go and play in the park with my friends. When I can, I have to take my inhaler with me, just in case... It's hard for mommy and daddy. When I have an attack in the middle of the night, they feel helpless and worry a lot. I know because mommy's eyes are red from crying...»

Daphnee has been struggling with asthma since birth. When she suffered her first attack, her parents panicked and called the Lung Association to obtain information. Lise, our respiratory therapist, explained the nature of the illness, told them what to do when an attack occurs, and reassured them while they waited for an appointment to see the doctor.

Nonetheless, the parents are always nervous! When Daphnee has an attack, they see her strain, as her tiny lungs admit only a whisper of air.

Did you also have trouble breathing as you read Daphnee's story? Do you feel involved?

Try to imagine...

You are one of Daphnee's parents... You wake up regularly during the night as you listen to the rhythm of her breathing... Each time she suffers an attack, you see the anxiety in her eyes... You wait helplessly for the medication to take effect.

You are always on the lookout for symptoms of drowsiness, an inability to speak and mostly signs of a persistent cough. You spend many sleepless nights at the hospital. Just imagine... How would you deal with his illness as a parent?

Your support is absolutely essential. Daphnee needs your help. For her sake and the sake of other children like her, we must continue to provide parents with a front-line telephone service.