Breathing Joy Into Inhaler Use For Kids: Elijah-Alavi Foundation Launches HappyHalers
3D printable snap-on inhaler cases that are fun and functional are now available for
free download to print from your home, school, or public library
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Every year, over 500,000 kids in the US
are rushed to the emergency room because of asthma. While rescue inhalers can prevent attacks from becoming life-threatening, many kids aren’t using them like they should. According to several studies as well as the 2023 Global Initiative for Asthma’s Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention, kids with asthma often feel self-conscious or embarrassed to use their inhalers in public, resulting in more
emergency room visits.
The Elijah-Alavi Foundation, with the Purpose Group and CDMNY, joined forces to create HappyHalers – fun 3D-printed inhaler covers designed to turn life-saving asthma treatment into something more enjoyable, engaging, and interactive. HappyHalers 3D printable STL files are available to download free of charge. For any child who does not have access to a 3D printer, the organization has partnered with Stache3D (https://www.stache3d.com/about-us) to help print the covers at cost using food-safe materials.
“No child should ever feel embarrassed of their asthma,” said Thomas Silvera, founder
of the Elijah-Alavi Foundation. “It’s a serious condition, but with the right tools and
education, it can be managed.”
"Children should be empowered to love what makes them different as they grow and
understand who they are,” said Dina Hawthorne, Co-founder of the Elijah-Alavi
Foundation. “Having asthma shouldn't be hidden; it should be shared. Like the arm is a
part of the body, asthma is too a part of the body. It should get the attention it needs
, too."
Currently, HappyHalers are available as a Rocketship, Lego, princess, unicorn(coming soon), and T-rex cover designs. HappyHalers are designed to go around a standard actuator, so they never change the function of an inhaler—only make it look more fun and less scary for
the child and even their friends.
"We hope this collection helps children with asthma proactively manage their condition
with their own personal style,” said Dina Peck, Chief Creative Officer of The Purpose
Group. “As an asthmatic and a mom of an asthmatic, there remains a stigma associated
with the condition. HappyHalers can make kids with asthma feel cool rather than
different,” she said. For more information about HappyHalers or to print one of your own, please visit www.HappyHalers.com
For more information on the Elijah-Alavi Foundation and how they are pioneering urgent
allergy safety measures in childcare, please visit https://www.elijahalavifoundation.org/
About the Elijah-Alavi Foundation
The Elijah-Alavi Foundation is a non-profit organization established in loving memory of
Thomas Silvera and Dina Hawthorne's son, Elijah-Alavi. It is committed to providing
nationwide access to inclusive and equitable resources for food allergy and asthma
management in childcare, daycare, and school settings. The foundation transcends
socioeconomic, cultural, and class boundaries to ensure that every child is safe and
supported. As a leading advocate in the fight against food allergies and asthma, the
Elijah-Alavi Foundation delivers accredited food allergy training to educators, childcare
professionals, and businesses, emphasizing the importance of proper care and
management for those living with these conditions. www.elijahalavifoundation.org
About OHG’s Purpose Group
OHG’s Purpose Group believes all great
brands are built on purpose. The Purpose
Group is comprised of Patients & Purpose, Science & Purpose, and CDMNY and is an
expanding group of agencies that are part of Omnicom Health Group
(www.omnicomhealthgroup.com) a global collective of communications companies
with more than 5,000 dedicated healthcare communications specialists. OHG provides marketing services to the health and life-science industries and is powered by Omni Health, the first and only end-to-end data platform designed for the specific requirements of healthcare clients.
