E11. Turning Asthma Into Action: A Journey of Resilience and Advocacy with Adrienne Lam

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I dive into the inspiring journey of Adrienne Lam—an asthma advocate, runner, researcher, and educator.Adrienne shares her personal experiences growing up with poorly controlled asthma, from sitting out of school activities to frequent ER visits. Through resilience and determination, she’s transformed her life—becoming a half marathon runner and a powerful voice for asthma education and health equity.We talk about her work with Asthma Canada, including her contributions to the 2024 National Asthma Survey, and the importance of education, empowerment, and improving access to care.This episode is full of insights into the challenges and triumphs of living with asthma—and how we can move past perceived limitations to build something stronger.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Adrienne Lam’s Inspiring Journey 00:49 – Connecting Over Shared Experiences 03:10 – Challenges of Living with Asthma as a Child 06:55 – Asthma Management and Education 10:27 – Discovering Running During the Pandemic 13:11 – Joining the University Run Club and Achievements 14:30 – Running for a Cause: The Half Marathon Experience 20:05 – Reflecting on Personal Injuries and Running 20:33 – Asthma Canada and National Asthma Survey Insights 23:29 – Financial Strain and Access to Asthma Care 29:19 – Empowerment and Self-Advocacy for Kids with Asthma 30:53 – Personal Goals and Overcoming Challenges 34:40 – Mindset and Overcoming Limitations 36:13 – Final Reflections and Motivations 38:10 – Closing Thoughts and Inspirational MessageRead Adrienne's story on Asthma Canada's website by clicking here. To read Asthma Canada's National Survey (2024) click here.Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):Check us out on InstagramFollow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedInConnect with us on TikTokFollow us on FacebookSpeaking services, media, blog & news on our websiteEmail Josh directly at [email protected] video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.