Kyle's Story, by Kyle Clarke

Hello my name is Kyle Clarke and I am 12 years old.

I live with asthma every day!

I was diagnosed with asthma at 4 years old.

I was too young at that time to know what it meant…all I knew is that I couldn’t breathe so well sometimes!

Over the years I have learned a lot about Asthma and how to manage it better. I have learned how to control it through my many medications, exercise and avoiding things I am allergic to.


Over the years my Doctors and the Credit Valley Hospital Asthma Education Department - have helped me understand and manage my asthma better.

They have helped me keep my Asthma under control so I can do all the things I love to do and live an active life and play all the sports I love!!!

Even though I have asthma I don’t let it stop me from doing the things I love to do!!

One of the things I love to do most is play hockey!

I am Captain of the AAA Mississauga Rebels Peewee hockey team. This will be my 3rd year with the Rebels….but I have played elite hockey since I was 5.

I am on the ice about 4-6 times a week. And I do not let Asthmas stop me from playing!

I believe staying active helps me stay fit and also helps me control my Asthma. 

My love of hockey keeps me going- especially sometimes when I don’t feel like I can.


My battle against Asthma hasn’t been easy over the years.

I have been hospitalized 4 times over the past 4 years-- for a week or more each time.

I have also made many trips to the Emergency Room…because I couldn’t breathe and my puffers weren’t helping!

I have to say- that is the scariest feeling…not being able to get a breath!!!

At times I felt like I was going to die!

Even though I have had some difficult episodes with my Asthma this year…

I feel that I have a better control of it.

And this year I was not admitted to the hospital for the first time in 4 years! For me -this is a victory!!!

I would like to send one message to parents and their kids living with Asthma….

Being diagnosed with Asthma doesn’t mean your life is over-

-it doesn’t mean you have to stop doing the things you love!

It may be more difficult day to day…but you can control it

– you can live an active, healthy productive life!

You just have to learn how to manage it.

Parents: please let your kids participate in the sports they Love! It can only help them!