Twelve-year-old Ryan Gibbons was a vibrant boy who loved motorbikes and hiking in the woods. But on October 9, his life took a tragic turn. Ryan suffered a severe asthma attack while playing soccer at school and couldn’t access his life-saving inhaler, which was locked in the principal’s office. Despite his friends’ desperate attempts to carry him to the office, they couldn’t get there in time, and Ryan passed out, never to be revived.
The investigation into Ryan’s death revealed a devastating sequence of events. The school had a policy of keeping inhalers locked away, and Ryan’s extra inhaler had been repeatedly confiscated. His mother, Sandra Gibbons, had provided a doctor’s note allowing Ryan to carry his medication, but the school ignored it. The tragedy sparked widespread outrage and grief, and Sandra Gibbons vowed to ensure that no other family would have to endure the same pain.
Sandra’s determination led her to start a petition and advocate for a change in the law. She worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of access to asthma medication in schools. Her efforts paid off when the Ontario government passed “Ryan’s Law,” which requires schools to allow students to carry their inhalers with them, provided they have a doctor’s note. The law is a testament to Ryan’s memory and a crucial step towards protecting children with asthma.
Ryan’s story highlights the critical importance of access to life-saving medication in emergency situations. Asthma attacks can be unpredictable and deadly, and it’s essential that schools have policies in place to ensure students can access their inhalers quickly. Sandra Gibbons’ fight for justice has changed the lives of thousands of children with asthma, and her legacy will continue to inspire others to advocate for change.
