It started as a normal school day, but for 12-year-old Ryan Gibbons, it ended in tragedy.
What followed revealed a shocking reality: a life-saving inhaler, locked away due to school policy, could mean the difference between life and death.
The Tragic Event
Asthma is more than a chronic condition—each attack has the potential to be fatal. In 2012, while at Elgin Country School in Ontario, Canada, Ryan suffered a severe asthma attack.
His inhaler, which could have saved him, was locked in the principal’s office. Despite the desperate attempts of friends to retrieve it, Ryan collapsed and tragically passed away.
Investigations revealed that the school’s policy prevented Ryan from carrying his inhaler—even with a doctor’s note and repeated requests from his mother, Sandra Gibbons. Extra inhalers he had brought were confiscated, leaving him vulnerable.
Sandra recalls the frustrating cycle: calls from the school asking her to collect inhalers Ryan had brought, only for him to be denied access again. “I didn’t understand why this policy existed,” she said. “I didn’t realize prescribed medication needed to stay in the office.”
A Movement for Change
Ryan’s death became a catalyst for change. Determined to prevent other children from facing the same fate, Sandra launched a petition and lobbied the Ontario government. Her advocacy led to the passage of Ryan’s Law (Bill 135), which now allows students to carry their inhalers at school with a doctor’s note.
“I was overwhelmed and emotional when the law passed,” Sandra said. The Asthma Society also praised the legislation, emphasizing that children with asthma must have immediate access to life-saving medication.
The Broader Context
While laws in the U.S. already allow children to carry inhalers at school, many students worldwide still face restrictions due to strict anti-drug policies. Every day, asthma claims more than 10 lives in the United States alone. Though death rates have decreased over the past decade, each asthma-related death is potentially preventable.
Ryan’s Legacy
Though his story is tragic, Ryan’s legacy has saved countless lives. His mother’s unwavering determination ensures that no child in Ontario should suffer due to preventable policy restrictions. Remembering Ryan reminds us of the very real dangers of asthma and the critical importance of ready access to inhalers.
Conclusion
Ryan Gibbons’ untimely death was heartbreaking, but it sparked meaningful change. Ryan’s Law ensures that children with asthma can carry their inhalers, protecting lives and preventing tragedy.
His story serves as a powerful reminder: awareness, advocacy, and simple access to medication can save lives. Every parent, teacher, and policymaker should remember Ryan and act to keep children safe.