May 23rd, 2007
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This news item is more than a year old. Links, graphics, content, medical information, and statistics may be out of date. We invite you to search, visit our homepage, or contact us to find more current information on the topic you're looking for.Erik's Run for Kids with Asthma
SASKATOON, May 23, 2007 -- Erik Olson is just like any other 11 year old “ he loves to run and is on his school's cross country team. One huge difference is that Erik has a big heart. When a boy he was running against in a cross country meet had to stop running because of his asthma, Erik wondered if there was anything he could do to help.
With the help of his parents, Erik contacted the Lung Association and discussed ways in which he could make a difference for other kids with asthma. The Olsons soon learned that the Lung Association sponsors Discovery Asthma Camp, a camp offered to children with asthma between the ages of 7and 13. Every July,
55 campers enjoy the unique experience of summer camp, in a safe setting made for fun and learning. The Olsons also learned that, according to a recent study funded by the Lung Association, 16 “ 21% of Saskatchewan children have asthma, and that asthma that is not controlled can result in a child not being able to participate in activity like cross country running.
After talking it over with his parents, Erik decided he wanted to contribute to the camp for kids with asthma. His mom, Cheryl, says Erik is going to run five kilometers at the Fieldhouse on Friday, May 25. Erik has been collecting pledges for the run, and people who have heard about Erik's generosity have called the Lung Association to make donations. All proceeds will go towards sponsoring kids with asthma so they can attend the camp. Asthma is a chronic (long-term) disease that makes it hard to breathe,' explains Jan Haffner, a certified asthma educator and Director of the camp. Our camp's goal is for every child with asthma to be a happy, healthy camper who is active and able to participate in all activities without limits. If the asthma is under control, the campers are able to enjoy all activities.
Erik will begin his five kilometre run at the Saskatoon Fieldhouse at 11:00 am, Friday, May 25, 2007. Anyone interested in making a donation can contact Stella at the Lung Association at 343-9511 or, for outof-town callers, 1-888-566-LUNG (5864).
For further information contact:
Bernie Bolley, Medicentre Coordinator
Discovery Asthma Camp Inc
c/o 1231 “ 8th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7H 0S5
bernie.bolley@sk.lung.ca
343-9511 in Saskatoon or 1-888-566-LUNG (5864)
www.asthmacamp.org