Stories
We all have a reason to fight for clean air. Check out some personal stories below that highlight the need for healthy, safe air, and click here to share your own.
I was surprised to find that Idaho is considered by the American Lung Association to have good quality air. I live in a town situated in the midst of an industrial farming and forest operation. Tilling the fields that have no stubble generates thick particle clouds, and burning the grass crops and field residue restricts our freedom to breathe. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Ana, ID
I live in Idaho County and work in Nez Perce County. We see the airplanes dipping between the hills spraying the fields during the spring and fall to burn the stubble on the prairie. That smoke doesn't go straight up; it filters across into the valley area where I live. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Jean, ID
Every day I fight for healthy air, because Lucy and Ethel can’t function properly without it. In case you were wondering, Lucy and Ethel are the nicknames I have given my new lungs that in return have given me a new lease on life. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Judy, IL
I was diagnosed with asthma at a very young age. It’s something I’ve always known I had, but for a long time it wasn’t a huge issue in my life. As a child I had to have breathing treatments for an hour in the morning and an hour each the evening. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Meghan, IL
I was diagnosed with lung cancer almost 8 years ago. Not much hope was given. Lots of prayer and study from my oncologist and surgeon makes me a lung cancer survivor. I need clean air, because one of my lungs was taken due to my cancer. I cannot afford to lose another lung. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Radine, IL
I am concerned about the air where I live because it is a rural farm community. There are many people in my family that have allergies, including myself and my one-year-old son. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Lindsey, IL
I started actively taking part in the "Fight For Air" by registering and involving myself with the "Fight For Air Climb" in 2011. A close family friend had been diagnosed with lung cancer in late 2010 and around the same time I received a postcard in the mail for the "Fight For Air Climb" in Oak Brook. Instantaneously I thought, “What a coincidence!” and immediately registered for the event and actively participated in the fundraising process. I took part in five Midwest climb events in 2011. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Harish, IL
I’m 70 years old and have end stage lung disease. I have all three components—bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Cynthia, IL
A lot of people take breathing for granted. It's easy for most, but for those of us with asthma, it is not. It's a daily struggle sometimes depending upon flare ups. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Krysten, IL
I have severe asthma and emphysema. Working in the yard or walking more than a block outside is a major challenge. I was astounded this spring to find that my asthma was actually better in New York City than it is in Chicago! Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Colleen, IL
FACT: You can protect your family by checking the air quality forecasts in your community and avoiding exercising or working outdoors when the unhealthy air is expected.
