It is Appreciation Day and we simply want to say thank you.
Because of you, people living with asthma and their families can find trusted information, support and hope when they need it most. Your kindness helps power vital education, advocacy and research so that no one has to face asthma alone.
Asthma is a lifelong condition that affects nearly 2.8 million Australians, but together we are working towards a future where everyone can breathe a little easier. Your support is helping bring that future closer. It means families can find answers, voices are heard and research continues to move us towards better treatments and one day a cure.
From all of us at Asthma Australia, thank you for being part of our community and for helping create hope for people living with asthma.
Because of you...
People Found Information They Needed
Schools Are Safer for Kids with Asthma
Why is Your Support is so very important
Statistic References:
1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Asthma [Internet, cited 2025 Nov 25]. www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/asthma/latest-release
3. AIHW. Principal diagnosis data cubes. Separation statistics by principal diagnosis, 2020-21 to 2022-23. www.aihw.gov.au.
4. AIHW. Emergency department care. Emergency department care 2023–24 data tables [Internet, cited 2025 Nov 25]. www.aihw.gov.au/
hospitals/topics/emergency-departments
6. ABS. Causes of Death, Australia, 2024 data cubes [Internet, cited 2025 Nov 14]. www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/2024.
10. AIHW. Australian Burden of Disease Study 2024 [Internet, cited 2025 Nov 25]. www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2024
Meet a few of the many people you have helped so far...
The Hidden Emotional Toll of Asthma
“Asthma Australia was there for us. Their fantastic Asthma Educators have so much understanding and practical information. They know exactly what people are going through and can offer those small but important tweaks that just make all the difference, helping you feel calmer and in more control.” - Katelyn
When Katelyn’s daughter Amelia was just four years old, she had a severe asthma attack that changed everything. Katelyn found herself in the back of an ambulance, watching her little girl fight for every breath.
Families like Katelyn’s live with more than just the medical management of asthma. They carry stress, fear and trauma that affects every part of their lives. That’s why support from our Asthma Educators is so vital. They don’t just help families by providing information, explaining asthma medications and talking about action plans, they also support parents through the stress and anxiety that asthma brings.
Gillian Has Seen 75 years of Asthma Advancement
“Not being able to breathe is one of the scariest things and it made me feel so desperate. All I could focus on was my next breath, but it wasn't helping.” - Gillian
Gillian was born in 1950, when people didn’t know as much about asthma or how to treat it. She was diagnosed at age eight and spent much of her childhood in and out of the hospital, often fighting for her life. The lack of asthma knowledge in the 1950s made her journey even harder.
The sound of ambulance sirens and the flash of red and blue lights became a common and difficult part of her early life, with multiple emergency trips to hospital.
1800 ASTHMA Changes Lives!
“Asthma Australia was wonderful. They helped me ask the right questions at my specialist visit. It made a world of difference.” - Carolyn
Carolyn experienced a life-threatening asthma attack at age 60, reminding us that asthma can begin at any stage of life.
Thanks to your generous support, the 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) information line was there when Carolyn needed it most. Your donations are lifechanging. People will continue to face the challenges of asthma, but your support means they won’t have to go through it alone.
Thank you for making this life-changing support possible.
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Read Carolyn's Story
Meg’s life improved after she called 1800 ASTHMA
"An Asthma Educator at Asthma Australia really changed my life in terms of new options for treating my severe asthma. I have never in my life been more well than I am now, due to that call I made to Asthma Australia. Can't recommend them highly enough. I learned more in that 40 minute chat than I have in my lifetime of hospital admissions, doctor and specialist appointments."
In a 40 minute call Meg was able to discuss how she can manage her asthma. She discovered that there were many other treatment options available that she didn’t know about.
The Asthma Educator also told her she was eligible for a free pharmacy review that could support her in managing her asthma.
The support from 1800 ASTHMA (1800 278 462) means that now Meg can live her life freely. Because of support from people like you, Meg is no longer gasping for air.
READ MEG'S STORY
Access to asthma information means no one faces asthma alone
Ky knows what it's like to be restricted by asthma. He went to five hospitals in four days.
Ky and his family should have been enjoying an amazing camping holiday in the bush at Thredbo Diggings, But Ky had a severe asthma attack in his tent leading to a nightmare experience for the whole family.
Your support has helped reduce unplanned hospital visits through increased availability of information and better asthma management.
READ KY'S STORY
“After New Year’s Day, my husband opened the door to go to work. It let enough smoke into the house to trigger my asthma,” - Alison
During the devastating 2019–2020 Australian bushfire season, Alison suffered a severe asthma attack after smoke entered her home, collapsing in front of her young son. In a life-saving moment, seven-year-old Lincoln called 000, ensuring she got the urgent care she needed.
Sadly, many others were not as fortunate, with hundreds of lives lost due to bushfire smoke.
Asthma Australia is working to prevent future tragedies through initiatives like the AirSmart app, helping people stay informed and protect their health when air quality is dangerous.
Your support has helped develop new technologues that help people with asthma breathe a little eaiser.
READ ALISON'S STORY
