Patricia M., OH

I have had severe asthma as far back as I can remember. I could not run and play as other children did and had such difficulty breathing when the weather turned hot and humid. This breathing difficulty continued throughout my life.

I finally saw a pulmonologist about twelve years ago and was diagnosed with severe asthma. The medications I was given have helped me tremendously, but I still struggle to breathe when I encounter diesel fumes; hot and humid weather; really cold weather; and when air pollution is bad.

I am now a retired elementary teacher, and my pulmonologist wrote to my school district for me to have an air conditioner in my classroom. I offered to pay for it and for the installation. I was told to just take off from work, and then I was "written up" for my attendance. 

The air quality in our country needs to be improved. The pollution is killing us.