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Ricardo was diagnosed with asthma in 2016. Initially, it didn’t affect him too much. He would use his reliever only a few times a month. However, over the past few years, managing his asthma has become a constant challenge. 
He started experiencing severe flare-ups at work. As a chef he is regularly exposed to drastic temperature changes and other environmental factors, which worsened his asthma.
It got so severe that he had to take time off work because he was struggling to breathe. He noticed that even the slightest sign of a flare-up trigged intense anxiety and panic.
Asthma is also a part of his family life. When Ricardo’s daughter was nearly two, she had several visits to hospital with breathing issues and she has now been diagnosed with asthma as well.
These experiences are the reason why Ricardo joined the Consumer Advisory Council. Living with asthma, while also supporting a young child with the condition, has shown him how deeply it can affect every aspect of life, from work and mental wellbeing to family routines and access to care.
Ricardo wants to help ensure that the voices of people living with asthma are heard and reflected in the policies, programs, and resources designed to support them.
Ricardo’s hope for the future is that asthma care becomes more proactive, equitable, and better understood. He would like to see greater awareness of how asthma impacts daily life, improved access to effective treatment and education, and stronger support for families navigating the condition.
Ultimately, Ricardo hopes to contribute to a future where fewer people experience preventable asthma attacks, and everyone living with asthma feels informed, supported, and empowered to manage their health.
Help people living with asthma breathe easier
Our Consumer Advisory Council members share their lived experience to help improve support for people with asthma. Your donation helps Asthma Australia provide information, support and advocacy for the nearly 2.8 million Australians living with asthma.
