Hillary's Story

Dear Dr. Heimlich,

I just wanted to take a minute and update you on Hillary's asthma and general health. Just a couple of weeks ago, she had her seventh birthday. As you know, she was diagnosed with asthma on her fourth birthday after suffering for a very long time.

It has been over two years since you first introduced us to using mini-Heimlichs during her asthma attacks. At that time, you were the answer to my very frustrated prayers. Today, we use these mini-Heimlichs as part of our regular life. We are able to help with her breathing long before it reaches that panicked stage it used to. She is very receptive to the procedure and even asks, "Mommy, can you help me breathe?" She has probably had the healthiest winter in her life this year. She still keeps on hand and uses Proventil, but we almost always do the procedure before giving her the medicine. It seems to open her airways better and makes the medication work more effectively.

I told Hillary I was going to write you this letter. She said to tell you, 'Thanks for saving my life.' It surprised me that she even realized that. So, on behalf of my whole family, we all thank you for saving Hillary's life.

With Gratitude,
Stephanie H. Hagen
(1999)