Born and raised in Miami Beach, Florida, Aaron and Ian have spent their early years in and out of the hospital. They would create short skits and stories to entertain the other patient’s. They would spend their summers in Colorado, traveling the United States, and abroad. They vividly remember the fascinating architecture and different cultures around the globe. No matter where they went the nebulizer’s and medication was within reach. Ever since there earliest days, they were fascinated by the attention they would get from others when the mask for the nebulizer was placed on their face. The odd looks and responses would cause them to ask why people would look at them so differently. They always remember being taught “…just remember you are The Greatest Kids Ever…no one stops you but you”

Aaron and Ian left Miami Beach in 2009 spending time in Colorado and now settled in North Carolina. Through the work of the pediatric clinic, at the National Jewish Hospital, in Denver, the boy’s asthma is finally in control. They are finally able to participate more freely in sports of their choice. With a strong desire to return to family we settled in North Carolina to be near the fine hospitals in North Carolina. As they began to acclimate to the new surroundings and participate in sports they had to be more open about the respiratory conditions. However, they still cannot escape the odd looks, whispers, and many times being benched. Many coaches are so fearful they would have an attack; it was easier to bench than play. They both began reading information about their asthma conditions and began informing the coaches, other parents and athletes. From this small act of informing many athletes began to seek them out. Confiding in them that they to were asthmatics but were not allowed to tell. The reason – fear they to would be benched or made fun of. Hiding the disease is sadly more the norm.

Aaron and Ian decided to start a website to help kids understand asthma and to take a stand to be healthy. Excited of the venture, they began to study people’s response to their asthma stories and listen to their stories. “I became a student of life”, Aaron recalls. Aaron then began writing short speeches for he and his brother to present to athletic departments across the country and continues to be very forthcoming with his disease.

The boy’s are now working on a speaking series for the summer. They would like to present to High Schools, Colleges, and Universities throughout the United States. Once you here them speak you will want to help support their efforts to remove the stigma of asthma from the sports and the world!