On Saturday, March 7, the Chris Draft Family Foundation brought the Missouri Asthma Team™ together for the first time to support St. Louis agencies at major fundraising events in St. Louis, the newly designated Asthma Capital for 2009. 

The Missouri Asthma Team™ began their day at the American Lung Association’s Master the Met competitive stairclimb event.  The Asthma Team™ met bright and early on Saturday morning to discuss the new Missouri movement, a coalition of like-minded organizations who are committed to improving St. Louis.  Several city- and state-wide organizations were present, eager to work together under the banner of the Asthma Team™.  Present, and representing the agencies were: Jamie Roberts, Development Manager of the American Lung Association of the Central States; Peggy Gaddy, Missouri Department of Health Asthma Program Coordinator; Terry Plain, Missouri Foundation of Health; Emily Pike, Program Director of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America-St. Louis Chapter; Dr. Mario Castro, Pulmonologist and board member of the St. Louis Regional Asthma Consortium. 

Asthma Teammates Chris Draft and Lt. Governor Peter Kinder were the first climbers up the stairs on Saturday and were greeted at the finish line on the 42nd floor by cheering members of the Asthma Team™.  Paramount to the success of the Asthma Team movement is creating a support system of individuals, families and agencies who drive the Tackling Asthma™ movement of education and inspiration.

On Saturday evening, after the climbers had ample time to rest and recover from their 42-flight journey, the Asthma Team™ attended the Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s Orchid Ball.  AAFA’s Orchid Ball is a premiere black-tie event originally founded 1991.  Traditionally held in March each year, the event begins with cocktails and a silent auction, includes a sit-down dinner, live auction and entertainment.

Representing the Asthma Team™ and the Chris Draft Family Foundation, Chris Draft and Pat Sims, Executive Director, found the evening inspiring and uplifting.  The Asthma Team™ would like to congratulate Anne Birkenmeier, Wayne Kauffman, and Harrah’s Casino and Hotel for recognition of their dedication and support of AAFA. Additionally, best wishes to the Ritchie family, AAFA Project Care recipients.

Saturday’s events, the first public events attended by the Missouri Asthma Team, are simply the beginning of the team’s efforts in Tackling Asthma across Missouri.  Presenting a united front as part of a group that is working diligently to leverage the unique resources of individuals, families and agencies will prove to be the most effective way to improve the health of people across the state of Missouri.