Tackling Asthma One Dance at a Time

Ninety thousand children are affected by asthma in South Carolina, a condition which is the number one reason why children are hospitalized and miss school in the state. The American Lung Association is tackling this issue one dance at a time.

Next month, the sixth annual Lowcountry Dancing with the Stars Oxygen Ball will bring together more than 400 people from Charleston and surrounding areas to raise awareness and funds for lung health in the community, including the widespread diagnoses of asthma. Lack of awareness and understanding of asthma makes the condition very dangerous, even deadly, if it is not managed properly. Camp Breathe Easy, South Carolina is just one of ALA's many programs which is offered for free to community members. This year, Camp was held at Burke High School on April 12th. Asthmatic children and their parents or guardians received education on ways to better manage their asthma from health care professionals. Participants also took part in interactive sessions with the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, Mad Science of Charleston, and Charleston Promise Neighborhood. They left with a better understanding about their asthma and how to manage the onset of an asthma attack, not to mention the new friendships formed with others in the community facing similar conditions.

ALA has partnered with Presenting Sponsor Vibra Hospital of Charleston, Premier Sponsor The InterTech Group Foundation, and Signature Sponsor The Facial Surgery Center to put on the Oxygen Ball on May 9th at the Charleston Marriott on Lockwood. The Oxygen Ball grossed more than $230,000 in 2013, and expectations are high for another record-breaking night.

Tickets for the 2014 Oxygen Ball are on sale now at CharlestonOxygenBall.org. Even for those who cannot attend on May 9th, votes can still be placed on the event website as well. For more information about the American Lung Association in South Carolina, visit LungSC.org.