But as he grew older, Ma’Siah suffered more and more crises. After he turned 3 years old, doctors suspected he was severely asthmatic, but because of his age, they waited to confirm the diagnosis.
Farr was terrified to sleep, fearing she wouldn’t be available if he began having breathing problems. She watched Ma’Siah to catch the slightest hitch in his breath or wheeze from his chest. On the way home from each emergency department visit, she worried about when the next would come.
After having four healthy children, Farr’s focus on her son’s challenges brought an element of trepidation into the family.
Ma’Siah’s asthma was uncontrolled. And when Farr watched him, her feelings went from joy to helplessness.
Farr’s angst would be familiar to parents and caregivers of the 6 million asthmatic children in the United States. The chronic respiratory condition, which afflicts 25 million people overall, disrupts breathing and prevents oxygen from reaching vital organs. A severe attack can be fatal; on average, 11 people die from an attack every day.