by Kerri

'I hate having asthma!' I used to think to myself and I always wished it would go away! Then I started to realise that if I carried on taking my inhalers going to the hospital/doctors surgery for check-ups I would soon grow out of it.

I've had asthma since I was born and it is genetic from my dad's side of the family. I've learned to cope with it over the years and all my friends, school-teachers etc. know about it so if there was ever an emergency they would know what to do!

I used to get really upset when sometimes there would be a snowball fight in winter and if my asthma was bad I would have to stay home! But as I grew older I noticed that this was because something seriously bad could happen to me when the weather is that cold!

I LOVE dogs! I always wanted one since I was about four or five but I couldn't have one as I was allergic to most animals. I thought I would never get a dog but when I was eight years old my parents saw an advertisement in the paper for puppies that did not cast so they would be fine for my allergies.

My mum and dad didn't tell me I was getting a dog-they kept it a secret so it was a total surprise when I got my little puppy! I named him Fudge and he will soon be four and I love him to BITS! It just shows you that you should never think that because of an allergy or illness you can't do the same things as other children do.

I want to tell any kids out there who are suffering from asthma or any other illness never to give up - keep on trying and see what you succeed in!!! Good luck!!!

This story may have been edited by Children First for Health for editorial and confidentiality reasons only.

For more help and information:

• Asthma UK

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