A 12-Year-Old Boy Died After Being Denied His Inhaler — His Story Changed a Nation Forever 💔
Some stories must never be forgotten — no matter how much time has passed. One of them is the heartbreaking, life-changing story of Ryan Gibbons. Though it happened years ago, we must keep sharing it — again and again — to make sure it never happens to another child.
In 2017, 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons, an active and joyful boy from Ontario, Canada, lost his life to something that could have been prevented: an asthma attack.
Ryan loved the outdoors, motorbikes, and hiking. But on one tragic school day, while playing soccer, he began having an asthma attack — and couldn’t access his inhaler.
Why?
Because his school had a strict policy: inhalers had to be locked in the principal’s office. Ryan wasn’t allowed to keep one with him. Even when he brought a backup from home, staff confiscated it.
As Ryan struggled to breathe, his friends tried to carry him to the office. But they couldn’t reach it in time. Ryan passed out on school grounds… and never woke up.
A Grieving Mother, A Fight for Justice
His devastated mother, Sandra Gibbons, had pleaded with the school — even providing doctor’s notes — asking them to allow Ryan to keep his medication. But time and time again, his inhaler was taken away.
“You’d give him an inhaler, and he’d get caught with it. Then I’d get a call from the school,” Sandra said. “It was so frustrating. I didn’t know their policy required medication to be locked up.”
After burying her son, Sandra turned her pain into purpose. She launched a petition to prevent this tragedy from happening to another family.
And it worked.
Ryan’s Law: A Legacy That Saves Lives
Sandra’s fight led to the passing of “Ryan’s Law” (Bill 135) in Ontario — a law that now requires schools to allow children to carry their prescribed asthma inhalers with them at all times.
“It’s emotional… overwhelming,” Sandra said. “But knowing it will protect other children makes it worth it.”
The Asthma Society of Canada also praised the law, saying it’s “essential” for children to have immediate access to life-saving medication.
In the U.S., while all 50 states technically allow students to carry asthma inhalers, many schools still restrict them under blanket drug policies, putting lives at risk.
A Story That Must Keep Being Told
Every day, over 10 Americans die from asthma. Many of these deaths are preventable — and Ryan’s story is a painful but powerful example of how policy and awareness can save lives.
Though Ryan is no longer here, his legacy lives on — protecting countless children through the law that bears his name.
Let’s make sure we continue to honor him by spreading his story.
📢 Share this post to raise awareness about asthma safety in schools — and to remember Ryan Gibbons. His memory deserves it. 💙
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