The Chris Draft Family Foundation (CDFF) is devoted to tackling asthma all over the U.S. However, NFL Linebacker and Founder of the CDFF, Chris Draft knows that this goal cannot be tackled alone; which is why CDFF formed The Asthma Team.  Chris knew that by partnering with families, children and organizations across the country that are also working diligently to teach their community that asthma is manageable and asthma attacks are preventable, that he could take his message of education, awareness and inspiration further, and could reach more people.

One of the organizations that CDFF partners with is the American Lung Association (ALA).  Draft has teamed up with the American Lung Association all over the United States, including that of the Central States, in St. Louis, MO. 

The ALA of the Central States is dedicated to the prevention, control and cure of lung disease. Founded in 1904 to fight tuberculosis, ALA is the oldest voluntary health organization in the United States and today fights lung disease in all its forms. It’s funded by contributions from the public, along with gifts and grants from corporations, foundations and government agencies.

As the foremost defender of clean air, the American Lung Association strives to mitigate the ill effects of poor air quality to protect those with asthma, emphysema, lung cancer and other chronic lung disease, and fight for tobacco control and clean air through education, research and advocacy.

On Saturday, March 6, 2010, the ALA put on an extremely successful event, Fight for Air Climb:  Master the Met, at the Metropolitan Square Building in Downtown St. Louis.  The Fight for Air Climb raises funds and awareness to support education, research and advocacy programs so everyone can breathe easier. Climb participants and donors support issues critical to family health - improving air quality, eliminating lung disease, and keeping kids tobacco free.  This third annual competitive stair climb, which included a new after party on Sixth Street (fire trucks, live band, food, beer), brought in over $330,000 and had a showing of 1,450+ participants who raced to the top of 42 floors.

For asthma awareness month ALA will place their main focus on three of their numerous resources to those living with asthma, including Breathe Well, Live Well, which is the nation’s only adult asthma education program.  This evidence based program developed in partnership with the University of Alabama aims to reduce asthma caused illness and disability by improving knowledge and self-management skills.  Also, Open Airways for Schools, which is a series of classes for school age children taught during the school day by a certified instructor. The program works to teach children that it is okay to have asthma while also providing the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively take control of their asthma. Studies have shown that children with asthma who participate in the Open Airways for Schools program experience a reduction in their symptoms and miss less school.  And last, an Asthma Profiler Treatment Option Tool that helps patients understand their treatment choices and possible side effects. This online tool helps users determine questions to ask their health care provider and also provides personalized reports using the most current medical research papers.

Right now ALA is sponsoring the American Lung Association Asthma Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network, the nation’s largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma treatment.  This research provides useful information important to the direct care of people who have asthma.

Norman H. Edelman, MD, American Lung Association Chief Medical Officer said “Far too many people are living with poorly managed asthma and may not be aware that a better quality of life is attainable.  Reducing exposure to asthma triggers will help prevent breathing problems and is a key to managing asthma symptoms and improving an asthma sufferer’s quality of life.

It is important for people to learn what triggers their asthma symptoms and to take steps to limit their exposure to such irritants.”

Additional information on resources for people with asthma can be found online at www.lungusa.org.