Research That Benefits Children and Families

As a infant, my younger sister had severe asthma. She had to go to the emergency room often to receive life saving care. Her pediatrician recommended that she be a part of a study at a local hospital that was testing a new medication for asthma. Participation included free supplies, medication, and close monitoring of my sister's physical health. She was required to perform various breathing tests and physicals twice a month until the age of twenty-one. All the participants were informed that one group would receive the medication and the other group would be taking a placebo.

This research process was a positive experience for my family. My sister's condition improved, and it helped my mother financially because all of the asthma medication and supplies were free. They also provided valuable information about how to prevent asthma attacks and proper treatment methods. Beyond the medical care, my family developed and maintained personal relationships with the researchers and their assistants. One of the women became a mentor to my sister. She encouraged her to maintain her grades and stay in school. Her and my sister still keep in touch today.

My sister no longer experiences the effects of asthma. In fact, her condition improved so much that everyone believed she was a part of the group who was taking the medication. So, it was hilarious when they found out that she had never taken the medicine. She was in the placebo group the whole time! This means that the care she was getting during the study was the cause of her condition improving. Personally, I believe that if it was not for this research study my sister would have had an unhealthy childhood plagued with severe asthma attacks. I am grateful that my mother consented to this research study, which positively effected my sister's health and well-being.