The Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015

I don’t quite want to say that my eldest daughter is already “cured” of asthma, even though we haven’t had to use any inhalers or steroids for years now.

(You can check out Ayen’s asthma story here.)

My two other kids, however, still suffer from this frightening condition, and it pains me to see them battling asthma.

After all these years, reducing, monitoring, and controlling the occurrence of attacks is still quite difficult for me to handle, especially since I personally never went through the experience myself. Life was much easier for me growing up. I would usually stay outdoors with friends until dark and rarely got sick.

I guess I should be grateful that I lived without allergies for most of my life, but I still wonder why my children struggle with it so often.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the underlying causes of childhood asthma are not fully understood. However, an overly sensitive immune system generally plays a role. Some factors thought to be involved include:

• Inherited traits
• Certain types of airway infections at a very young age
• Exposure to environmental factors such as cigarette smoke or other air pollution

So most likely, they inherited the condition from their dad, who until now still experiences asthma occasionally. Although his asthma has always been quite persistent, never really leaving his side, it has never stopped him from doing the things he loves.

Just like actress Kim Chiu, singer Arnel Pineda, and Olympic figure skater Michael Martinez, all of whom have asthma yet continue to achieve so much and live life to the fullest. Other well-known personalities who also live with asthma include long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe, basketball player Dennis Rodman, and football icon David Beckham.

Thanks to GSK, individuals with asthma who continue to excel in their respective fields are being recognized through the Search for Winners Against Asthma 2015.

The campaign aims to identify and honor 10 young asthmatic achievers from different walks of life.

It is a nationwide search for individuals aged 30 and below who continue to thrive and achieve excellence despite living with asthma.

You can view and download the entry form here. Participants may fill out a questionnaire, write an essay, or submit a video answering the questions provided in the application form.

So what’s in store for the winners?

For me, the ultimate reward is their ability to share their inspiring stories with people who need them most. Their journeys will undoubtedly inspire others from all walks of life.

The Search for Winners Against Asthma will run from February until May 2015 and will be visiting different schools and drugstore outlets to promote awareness and encourage participation in the campaign.

The deadline for submission is March 31, 2015.

There will be online voting, followed by deliberation from a selection committee.

The final list of winners will be announced in the third week of May.

For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/winagainstasthma/