b'My name is Mary and I am a very grateful grant recipient from HealthWell Foundation. My story begins at age two when I was diagnosed with asthma. I have suffered my entire life and come very close to dying many times. The worst asthma attack I and my family endured was when my brother died at age 38 from breast cancer. I suffered an attack that lasted 10 years. I was in and out of the hospital too many times to give you a figure. My doctor said I was dying right in front of his eyes and suggested we move from San Antonio, TX west to a more arid climate. I waited until our daughter graduated college and married two weeks later. By then it was 1991 and I was desperate for relief, steroid dependent for 11years. So my precious husband sold our home and moved us and his business to El Paso, TX. Within three months I was off steroids! We remained there nine years and I was hospitalized with asthma only once. Then our first grandchild was to be born home in San Antonio. I told my husband I did not care if I died of asthma, but I wanted to be near our daughter, son-in-law and grandchild. So, once again my husband sold our home, moved his business back to San Antonio not knowing how I would fare.A couple of years after being home my doctor told me of a new asthma drug. So around 2003 or so, I started the new medicine. It has been a literal life saver! I take it to this very day but would be unable to without the help of the HealthWell Foundation as I take a total of 19 medications for several health conditions of which asthma is primary. Your grant for the past three years has enabled me to continue receiving this medicine and without it my life would be debilitating. I am able to enjoy life, my family and grandchildren. Oh, I still huff and puff and walk slowly but I am able to go to church regularly, grocery shop and do everyday things. But, most of all I get to enjoy my grandchildren, who, of course are brilliant and beautiful!Thank you so very, very much!Mary H.Schertz, TX Asthma Fund'