GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) introduced a new Asthma Awareness patch on Saturday, May 7 at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey in conjunction with the 16th Annual American Lung Association Asthma Awareness and Education Walk.
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More than 100 people were in attendance at the event chaired by Jaris Waide, American Lung Association volunteer ambassador. Waide suffered an acute asthma attack in 1998 that caused a traumatic brain injury. Her experience inspired her to become one of the area's leading asthma awareness advocates. Special guests included Girl Scouts from Medora who dedicated the day to their friend and fellow Girl Scout Mia Kessinger, who passed away earlier this year from an asthma related event.
GSSI Program Manager Julie Fox introduced the new program, which guides girls to learn more about the respiratory system, asthma, and how to respond in case of an asthma-related emergency. She also recognized Girl Scout Courtney Winkler of Glen Carbon for winning a patch design contest held earlier this year with her submission depicting an advocate ribbon in light gray, which is the color of asthma awareness. Attendees then joined together for a moment of silence and song in tribute to Mia.
Next, Joey L. Petrokovich, 911 Manager of the Wood River Police Department, educated the group to increase their asthma awareness. Attendees learned information including common triggers of asthma attacks, what to do if experiencing an asthma attack and how to help someone else having an asthma attack. He also explained how 911 works, taught the best protocol when calling in an emergency and led a question and answer session.
Following the educational portion of the event, participants walked the path around Glazebrook Park and enjoyed a friendly pancake brunch together. Waide plans to donate the proceeds from her fundraising event to GSSI in order to help educate even more girls on asthma awareness.
"We're so honored to have been part of this wonderful event and pleased to be able to increase asthma awareness as part of GSSI's commitment to helping girls learn more about healthy living and being prepared in case of an emergency," said Fox.
The mission of Girl Scouting states: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.
Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork. Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together.
Girl Scouting has inspired more than 59 million girls and women since its founding in 1912.
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways throughout the region. Girl Scouts is a Proud Partner of United Way.
For more information, please call Tricia Higgins at 618.242.5079 or Jay Strobel at 618.692.0692.
