Chris Draft Family Foundation Asthma Team and American Lung Association of DC

Inspire Families to Keep Fighting Asthma

 

Washington, DC (January 19, 2010) – The Chris Draft Family Foundation (CDFF) and the American Lung Association of DC are working together to recognize families who are tackling asthma by sharing the stories of their battles. Professional football players have joined the cause to become captains of the CDFF’s Asthma Team and tell how they overcome their disease to be successful professional athletes. The Stamp and Kerns families, both from the Washington, DC metropolitan area, have spoken with Chris Draft about their fight against asthma.

 The Stamp family consists of Tominetta Stamp and her three children. They all suffer from asthma but have managed to control their asthma and maintain active lifestyles. In the Kerns family, 8 year old Andrew has been living with asthma since he was born and has since become very knowledgeable about managing his asthma symptoms independently. Two year-old James Massey IV, also in the Kerns’ family, has asthma as well, and has been part of ALADC’s Breathe DC Metro Walk since he was born.

 “The Asthma Team partnership with professional football players is important to young kids because it shows them they can take control of their asthma and it doesn’t have to prevent them from living a healthy, active life,” said Rolando Andrewn, ALADC CEO.  “We are grateful to these players for helping highlight the diversity of the fight against asthma and to inspire those with the disease to keep fighting.” 

 “The most important thing for people with asthma to know is that they can take control of the disease and properly manage their symptoms,” said Chris Draft, linebacker for the Buffalo Bills and Founder of the Chris Draft Family Foundation and Asthma Team. “By enlisting the help of other NFL players who have overcome their disease to become successful professional athletes, we are helping spread the message that asthma is manageable and doesn’t have to hold you back.”

 Draft is a 12-year NFL veteran and has battled asthma since college.  He also serves as the national spokesman for the Winning with Asthma campaign, working with the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association.

 The Asthma Team is comprised of more than 23 million people that have asthma and their friends and family that are helping them tackle asthma. The team seeks to inspire, educate and recognize those that are tackling asthma or helping someone they know fight the disease. If you have asthma, or care for someone that does, you are already on the Asthma Team. To learn more about the Asthma Team, the NFL Captains or the Winning with Asthma campaign, visit the Asthma Team website at www.chrisdraftfamilyfoundation.org/initiatives/asthmateam.