Asthma is Personal for Local Teen

Knoxville Lung Walk is June 5

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Chelsea Buchanan

NASHVILLE TN (05/18/2010)(readMedia)-- Area residents will have the opportunity to help the American Lung Association in Tennessee "Fight for Air" on Saturday June 5 when the association's annual Lung Walk is held at Volunteer Landing.

Formerly known as the "Asthma Walk", the event raises vital funds to support programs and services for people right here in the greater Knoxville area as well as continuing research for improved treatment and eventual cures for lung diseases such as asthma.

Check-in is at 9 am with the walk starting at 10 am. Participants may join the walk as a team, or an individual and can sign up at www.midlandlung.org/walk.

The "Fight for Air" is personal for Knoxville resident Chelsea Buchanan, a vivacious 17-year-old student at Halls High School, who had been coping with asthma since she was one-year-old.

She says that providing asthma education is important because there are so many people that need to learn about their asthma triggers and what to do about them.

"Having asthma was a challenge as a child," she said. "I used to have to be in the hospital many times for asthma. It definitely made me a more determined and strong individual."

No one can accuse Chelsea of holding back, she is a competitive ice figure skater, the 2009 Homecoming Queen of Halls High School Key Club, the 2010-11 President of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and has raised over $8,000 for Ronald McDonald House.

Unfortunately asthma, coupled with her juvenile diabetes, has held her back at times. "I've been hospitalized many times because of asthma. It holds me back from running and strenuous activities. Also, the weather and conditions of a room can cause me to have asthma problems."

"The Lord has brought me through these challenges just to be more determined," she stated. Chelsea thanks God for her incredible asthma doctor, Jane Conley, who has helped her balance the medicines and needs of her asthma and diabetes.

"I will say that my asthma is better since I am older but I still have to take many medicines to keep it controlled," she commented.

Chelsea explained that she became involved with the Lung Walk because she wanted others to see how important the cause it.

Those attending the Lung Walk will have the opportunity to participate in allergy and asthma testing, participants will be able to meet others in the community, climb the Rock Wall, explore the exhibitor booths, enjoy refreshments, hear great music and much more.

"Helping Others Breathe" event signs are available for purchase at $15 each. The signs will be placed along the walk route and are personalized to allow you to honor a loved one struggling with lung disease, remember someone who has lost the fight against lung disease, celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, or show recognition for an extraordinary person in your life.

Visit www.alatn.org to purchase a sign or www.midlandlung.orgwalk to learn more about this event or to donate to support the work of those participating.