2003 Christmas Seals Campaign

2003 Christmas Seals Campaign

SASKATOON, November 14, 2003: This year's star and ambassador for the Lung Association's Christmas Seals Campaign is baby Paige.

Today the Lung Association of Saskatchewan launches its annual Christmas Seals Campaign. Since 1928 funds from the Christmas Seals Campaign have been used to help the people of our province, like Paige, breathe a little easier. Over the next two weeks Saskatchewan residents will find Christmas Seals in their mailbox.

Since she was three weeks old a weekly visit to the emergency ward was becoming routine and struggling to breathe was Paige's constant companion.

A frustrated young couple contacted the Lung Association because her breathing problems were more than common colds, says Paige's mom, Lisa.  After consultation with the Lung Association health care professionals who are certified asthma educators, and following a visit to a paediatrician, a diagnosis of asthma was made.  Paige is not alone.  A study recently funded by the Lung Association indicated that 16 “ 21% of Saskatchewan children, like Paige, have asthma.

Paige has just had her first birthday and her parents are controlling her asthma because they can now recognize and avoid her asthma triggers.  Left untreated, Paige's asthma may have resulted in life-long health consequences.

Asthma, a chronic lung condition, is one of the lung diseases supported by the Lung Association's Christmas Seals Campaign.  The Lung Association is Canada's oldest health charity, with a 103 “ year history of helping families fight lung disease.

The Lung Association began using Christmas Seals in 1928 to raise money to combat tuberculosis. Today you will see the Lung Association fund medical research into the causes and cures of lung disease and conduct programs on asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), tobacco and sleep apnea in your community.  The Lung Association also provides training for health professionals, delivers health education in schools, facilitates patient support groups, and lobbies for clean air. The Lung Association is the premier source for respiratory health initiatives in the province.

Please support the Lung Association and children like Paige by either responding to our mail appeal, making a secure donation online, or calling 1-888-566-5864.

For more information contact:

Stella Spanos (306) 343-9511 or 1-888-566-LUNG (5864) or stella.spanos@sk.lung.ca.