At age 2, I was diagnosed with asthma. It shocked my parents greatly since we lived in Southern, AZ. AZ was popularily known as the greatest place to live for those who have asthma. My childhood was a nightmare; October thru December is usually the happiest time for a child, but it was filled with countless doctor appointments, emergency room visits, taking asthma medications that tasted awful, many asthma and allergy shots, and hospital stays during December or May. I missed school days due to my struggles with asthma and I nearly died from respiratory distress. Over the years, the treatment process has changed and the medications are less cumbersome. I take Advair and I have a rescue inhaler handy. I moved to the West Coast, and surprisingly, I feel more better at age 35. I have hope that there will be a cure for asthma in my lifetime. If you have been diagnosed with asthma, never treat this as a death sentence. There are medications available and if you cannot afford them, many health representatives can help. I am grateful for the services I received and I am able to get the medicine I need in order to stay healthy. My lung capacity has improved since I was 10 years old. So, I have hope that God will grant me many years!