In 2012, 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons tragically died from an asthma attack at school when his rescue inhaler was inaccessible, locked inside the principal’s office. This heartbreaking event exposed unsafe school policies that restricted children from carrying their own asthma medication.
Ryan’s mother, Sandra Gibbons, fought hard to change the system. Her advocacy culminated in the passing of “Ryan’s Law,” which requires schools across Ontario to allow asthmatic children to carry their inhalers if they have a doctor’s note and adopt standardized asthma management plans.
Experts note that asthma attacks can escalate quickly, making immediate access to medication essential. Although many regions have laws permitting students to carry inhalers, some schools still apply rigid rules that endanger children. Ryan’s legacy is a call to ensure that every school prioritizes students’ health and safety.
Sandra’s tireless efforts have saved countless lives since the law’s introduction, turning tragic loss into positive change.
