The Chris Draft Family Foundation (CDFF) and the American Lung Association are working together to recognize families who are tackling asthma.
Draft, a 12-year NFL veteran who has battled asthma since college, is joined by a group of other NFL stars to become captains of the CDFF’s Asthma Teamâ„¢. Together, they will share their own stories of fighting asthma, and join families nationwide to highlight the diversity of the fight against asthma and to inspire those with the disease to keep fighting.
For the past three years, the CDFF and the American Lung Association have worked together to recognize families for their fight against asthma. The CDFF is expanding its work with local Lung Associations nationwide by arranging for Chris Draft and other players to speak with families and encourage them to keep tackling asthma.
Asthma Teamâ„¢ Captains
Participating players include:
Chris Draft, Buffalo Bills linebacker and Founder of the Chris Draft Family Foundation
Larry English, San Diego Chargers
Larry Grant, St. Louis Rams
Leonard Little, St. Louis Rams
Adam Carriker, St. Louis Rams
Gary Gibson, St. Louis Rams
Ellis Lankster, Buffalo Bills
Corey Chavous, St. Louis Rams
Haruki Nakamura, Baltimore Ravens
“The most important thing for people with asthma to know is that they can take control of the disease and properly manage their symptoms,” said Draft. “By enlisting the help of other NFL players who have overcome their disease to become successful professional athletes, we are helping spread the message that asthma is manageable and doesn’t have to hold you back.”
About the Asthma Teamâ„¢
The Asthma Teamâ„¢ is made up of more than 23 million people that have asthma and their friends and family that are helping them tackle asthma. The team seeks to inspire, educate and recognize those that are tackling asthma or helping someone they know fight the disease. If you have asthma, or care for someone that does, you are already on the Asthma Teamâ„¢. To learn more about the Asthma Teamâ„¢, the NFL Captains or the Winning with Asthma campaign, visit the Asthma Teamâ„¢ website.
About Asthma
An estimated 23 million Americans suffer from asthma, and it is one of the most common chronic conditions among children. It is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among children, as well as a leading cause of school absenteeism, accounting for more than 14 million total missed days of school.
Every day in America:
- 78,000 people miss school or work due to asthma
- 35,000 people have an asthma attack
- 4,600 people visit the emergency room due to asthma
- 1,200 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma
- 10 people die from asthma
The American Lung Association has a number of resources to help people determine their level of asthma control, and take steps to improve their asthma management and breathe easier. To learn more about how to take control of asthma, click here.