12-year-old Ryan Gibbons died from an asthma attack at his Ontario school because his inhaler was locked in the principal’s office, in line with school policy.
Despite his mother’s repeated efforts and a doctor’s note, Ryan wasn’t allowed to carry his own inhaler and previous spares were confiscated. His death sparked widespread outrage and led his mother, Sandra Gibbons, to campaign for change.
Her efforts resulted in the passing of Ryan’s Law, which requires Ontario schools to allow children to carry their inhalers with a doctor’s note.
Though U.S. laws permit students to carry inhalers, some schools still restrict access due to blanket anti-drug rules—despite asthma claiming over ten lives daily.
Ryan’s legacy continues to save lives by ensuring kids with asthma can access their medication when they need it most.