Dear Supporter
I am writing to you today to share the story of Brock Burkett. It is one that has touched everyone here at Asthma Foundation SA, and reminded us of why we do the work we do.
Brock was an A-grade and Under -17 Premiership footballer with the Jervois Football Club and a much-loved member of the Murray Bridge community. At 27, Brock had the world at his feet. Devoted to his partner Eva, Brock had a passion for his sport, his mates and life in general.
Brock had mild asthma throughout his life. He had never really experienced a serious attack.
“He always had his puffer, he played sport, did everything as normal and just used his puffer when he needed to,” his father Peter said.
Everything changed in the summer of 2010.
While visiting Eva in Germany, Brock suffered a severe asthma attack.
“Brock had been sitting at the dinner table late one night, when he told Eva he needed his reliever puffer. He went upstairs to get it and on his way up, he collapsed. His airways basically all shut down and he couldn’t breathe,” recalls Peter.
Brock was revived by a doctor, but his brain had been starved of oxygen. He was declared brain dead when his family arrived in Germany a few days later. His family had to make the heart-wrenching decision to turn off his life support.
“Unfortunately in Brock’s case, there was probably nothing that could have saved him. It was a lightning bolt, it was unlucky … but people should be aware that asthma can be fatal,” said Peter.
Brock’s story reminds us that you don’t have a to be a chronic sufferer to have an asthma attack. It can happen anywhere, anytime.
People with asthma often underestimate the seriousness of this potentially fatal condition. One of our roles in the South Australian community is to provide information, education, training and advocacy to help people with asthma and linked conditions to breathe better.
We believe that by raising awareness, providing asthma information, asthma emergency training and funding research we can help to not only reduce the incidence of asthma, but prevent horrific tragedies such as the one endured by Brock and his family.
Peter has now become a passionate ambassador for spreading the word about asthma management. “People need to realise that you can die from an asthma attack and need to take it seriously,” he warned.
ASTHMA IS SERIOUS. As Brock’s tragic death highlights, even healthy and active people can be at risk even if their asthma is properly managed.
With Asthma Foundation SA’s continued investment in providing education and supporting research into a cure for asthma, we have seen a significant decrease in asthma deaths over the past 20 years.
However, many people with asthma underestimate the impact their condition has on their life and overestimate how well they’re controlling it. This is the group of people still at risk.
YOU can help to save lives by donating to this appeal. A donation to Asthma Foundation SA will not only help to honour the memory of young Australians like Brock, it will ensure that some good can come from such tragedy.
With Christmas fast approaching, we understand your household budget may be tight. All gifts, great or small, will assist our efforts. Please, help us to help South Australians with asthma to breathe better. Send your tax-deductible gift today.
Thank you.
David Bedson
Chief Executive
Asthma Foundation SA
P.S. You can contribute to our search for a cure and provide life-changing support for Australians living with asthma. Please, give generously.