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 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
My youngest daughter Ashanti has struggled with asthma since she was 6-years-old. When a bad case of bronchitis just wouldn’t get better, I took my daughter to see a pulmonary specialist who confirmed her bad cold was lingering, because she has asthma. Since then, monitoring Ashanti’s breathing has become a daily worry, especially when the air quality here in Chicago reaches unhealthy levels. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Taz, IL
I was first diagnosed with COPD in the late 1980's. The disease continued to progress robbing me of my ability to work. As my quality of life rapidly deteriorated, I soon became unable to function without round-the-clock oxygen therapy. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Dan , IL
A little over a year ago my father was diagnosed with lung cancer. While he still battles the disease today, he is struggling more and more to keep healthy after a bout with pneumonia. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Aren, IL
I just moved to Chicago last fall, and since then, I have had trouble breathing. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Taylor, IL
I commute 22 miles to and from work every day on my bicycle along Lake Shore Drive. Not only is it great exercise, but I know it’s good for the environment too. However, lately I’ve become increasingly more worried about the air pollution I encounter along my route. I can often taste and smell the exhaust that surrounds me. I even changed my route in efforts to avoid some of the heavy traffic pollution, but depending on the direction the wind blows, I can still smell the foul air and am deeply concerned for my health.
Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Travis, IL
I’ve had respiratory issues my whole life. Growing up, I’ve always played sports and been very active. I first noticed my asthma symptoms at an early age when I would wheeze and struggle to recover after running around. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Adam, IL
As an allergist, I have seen firsthand how badly people with asthma and allergies are suffering this spring. The mild winter here in Chicago has led to an early spring with unusually high volumes of tree pollen blowing in from Southern states. Weeds that typically do not grow this time of year are also in full bloom. This double whammy of potent allergen triggers has caused great suffering among my patients and others here in the Midwest. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Joseph, IL
I had open heart surgery on July 17, 2002, which included an aortic valve replacement and closing a popped an aneurysm as well as another hole discovered below that. Two months later, the cardiologist said, “By the way, you have COPD.” Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Laura, IN
I was born an asthmatic in the summer of 1981. Fighting for air was a constant struggle. My mother had many ways of helping me through my attacks as a child. I remember those times like they were yesterday, and I am positive that you would also remember a time you could not breathe if it happened to you. Read more at FightingForAir.org
— Jacob , KS
FACT: Some of the biggest sources of air pollution are dirty power plants, old diesel vehicles and heavy equipment, and ocean-going vessels.
