IGNORANT ABOUT ASTHMA

I just finished reading about the Taycheedah inmate who died of an asthma
attack, and to say I am nothing short of appalled would be an
understatement. The prison staff killed that woman because of its ignorance
about the disease.

I've struggled with asthma since I was 4 years old, and I am now in my
mid-30s. People think this disease is not very serious. How many people have
to die before the public realizes that without proper treatment in a timely
manner this ailment is fatal?

In October, I nearly died of an attack that happened suddenly while I was
out of town on vacation. My inhaler didn't work, and I called 911. I'd be in
a grave now if the operator told me, "Call us in an hour if you're not
feeling better."

Staff members who denied her treatment should be prosecuted and forced to do
community service at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America before
another asthmatic crosses their paths.

Robyn Cherry
Milwaukee