In 2022, Glenn and Mary Wiley came to the American Lung Association with a hope born from unimaginable loss. Their son, Reid, died from a sudden and fatal asthma attack in 2020—a heartbreaking moment no parent should ever endure. In their grief, they sought a way to honor Reid’s life and protect other families from experiencing the same tragedy. We are deeply honored that they chose the American Lung Association as the partner to bring that vision to life.

From their generosity and determination, the Wiley Asthma Program was created—a comprehensive effort dedicated to improving pediatric asthma outcomes and giving children across Ohio, especially in high burden communities, a better chance at a healthy, active childhood. Since the program’s launch, we have worked hand in hand with school healthcare professionals throughout the state, equipping them with practical tools and training to help students manage their asthma both at school and at home.

The impact has been immediate and deeply felt. Many school nurses share how their students struggle financially and often lack access to basic asthma supplies. Some nurses are moved to tears upon receiving something as simple as a spacer—an item that may look insignificant but is essential for delivering the correct dose from an albuterol inhaler. For many families, this small device can be life changing.

The Backpack Program became an instant success. Hoping to distribute 200 backpacks during the pilot year, we surpassed that goal more than twofold—providing 408 backpacks filled with asthma education and management tools to students who needed them most. “The students and parents have shared that the materials in the backpacks helped them learn more about their asthma. Thank you for the initiative!” wrote one school nurse—just one of the many heartfelt messages we’ve received.
School nurses also consistently express gratitude for our Controlling Asthma: What You Need to Know flipcharts, a practical, easy to use resource. In 2025 alone, more than 150 flipcharts were distributed across Ohio schools and nurse’s offices.

Thanks to the generosity of the Reid Wiley Charitable Foundation, school nurses can also participate in formal facilitator trainings—at no cost. Our evidence based programs, Open Airways for Schools and Kickin’ Asthma, give grade school and middle school students the knowledge and confidence to recognize symptoms early, avoid triggers, and make informed decisions about their health. These programs don’t just teach; they empower.
All of this is possible because of one family’s wish to honor their son’s memory. The Wiley Asthma Program stands as a testament to Reid’s life and the extraordinary impact his legacy now has on children throughout Ohio. Because of this program, thousands of young people are breathing easier—and thousands more will in the years to come.

The American Lung Association’s mission has always been the same: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. For more than 120 years, families across the country have trusted us to protect the health of their loved ones—whether through funding research for new treatments, working to keep kids off tobacco and e-cigarettes, or advocating for clean, healthy air.

Our goals remain bold and unwavering:

Defeat lung cancer. Create a tobacco free future. Champion clean air for all. Improve the quality of life for people living with lung disease.

And through partnerships like this one—with families who turn grief into generosity and heartbreak into hope—we move closer to achieving them every day.

Jennifer Hall

National Director, Donor Relations