The journey of a parent sailing from asthma

Speakers: Mary Ruth Brehmer, director, advocacy for patients, American and world immunology, Regeneron
Allie Boutin Lead, American public affairs and plea for patients – Immunology Specialty Care, Sanofi Lajoy, Parent, Caregiver and Lawyer
Presented by Sanofi-Regeneron
Lajoy shared her experience by taking care of her 13 -year -old daughter, who is fighting asthma since early childhood, at the BHM 2025 Spring Health Summit & Expo of this year. His daughter and mother were present in the room.
According to the American office of the Department of Health and Social Minority Health, “black or non-Hispanic African-American children were twice as likely to have asthma as non-Hispanic white children in 2023.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also confirm it. A report from the National Institute of the Heart, lungs and blood has revealed that “blacks in the United States are 40% more likely to have asthma than whites” and “black children are 8 times more likely to die of asthma than white children”.
Ward 8’s proud resident started by asking the public to raise their hands and reveal that his daughter could once integrate into a palm in the cup. “Abria was born to a book and six ounces. It is how tall it was,” said Lajoy. “It’s a baby miracle that you all see here today.”
“She was at the factory. She was supposed to be born in December, but she was born at 23 weeks,” she added. The Journal of Clinical Medicine reported that there is an “increased risk of asthma in premature infants” in 2023.
The Joy had to add oxygen and an apnea monitor to the car seat and the diaper bag that she totaled each time she left the house with her newborn baby. As Abria aged, there were other things that the family had learned to keep it healthy. “We had to give him nebulizer treatments,” she said.
Instead of being treated with compassion as the mother of a sick newborn, Lajoy faced an implicit bias after delivering Abria early. “When Abria was born. The doctor said,” We just want to tell you about your problem, “and I was confused,” she said. “Doctors thought I was under drugs.” The experience motivated him to use his voice to help others that could face the same things. She regretted not to preconceive herself stronger at that time. Today, she pleads for herself, her daughter and many other families.
“How many people recommend our children?” How many people recommend children who have specific health care needs? ” Questioned Lajoy. “It happens a lot. And I don’t have to say everything to you; A inhaler is the difference between life and death. ”
For many parents who take care of children with serious asthma or other health problems, the child may miss a lot of school, and a standard doctor note may not cut it. Lajoy had to ensure that a document was introduced into her daughter’s file to explain the moments when she might need to miss school for her health if she recovered from an asthma crisis. “It was a point where we were literally in hospital at least once a month. I managed to build a condo to me, but they said no, “she joked.
She did not laugh when she fought so that her daughter had an IEP (individualized education program) which took into account her physical health. “It was a standing letter that I had to put in file with the school because it was so bad,” she said. She would not rest as long as she did not ensure that her daughter does not sacrifice more learning time than necessary for her illness. “There is a lot of work going behind the scenes. And that is, honestly, what care involved, “she continued. “As my mother would say, I am the head of the management of my house.”
As Abia grew up, she was able to participate in her own care. “Now that Abia is 13 years old, it’s not as bad as before, but she takes medication twice a day,” said Lajoy.
Asthma can restrict options to play sports, specific musical instruments and other activities, but if it is treated appropriately, many children can participate in extracurricular activities as expected. Having competent and respectful health practitioners (pediatrician, primary care and pulmonologist) can help parents navigate. “Honestly, you need to get an excellent health care team. I think it’s the difference: a health care team that helps you manage everything, puts you on the right medicine, and also, when you say, hey, it doesn’t look good. They really listen to you,” said Lajoy.
There are many environmental “triggers” that aggravate asthma, such as mites, molds, pets, pollen, smoke, physical activity and air quality. “His health care team presented it to a non -profit organization called Breathe DC which provided him with resources like a new vacuum and a professional mold exam. They taught him to take off his shoes at the door of his home and other methods to avoid introducing asthma triggers into the environment of his daughter. Other organizations with excellent Asthma resources are AAFA and asthma and allergy.
“I don’t think many people in the black community have all this access to information.”
At the end of the conversation, Lajoy has strengthened the importance of expressing themselves to obtain the information and resources necessary to help your asthmatic children or that of someone else.
“We have to intensify our own community,” she said. “The moment is now.”
Discover the complete session:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbwofvnysgq
Office of the US Health Health and Social Services of Minority Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Institute of the Heart, Lungs and Blood
The Journal of Clinical Medicine
Breathe dc
Bead
Asthma and allergy network.