Stars Unite Behind Asthma Awards

_Asthma Foundation
News Release

26 August, 2009

Stars Unite Behind Asthma Awards

TV2 presenter Erin Simpson, Silver Fern captain Casey Williams and Outrageous Fortune actor Kirk Torrance (who plays DC Wayne Judd) have joined forces to support the Asthma Foundation’s special awards that acknowledge and celebrate Kiwis with asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Nominations for the 2009 Asthma and Respiratory Achievers Awards close next Monday, 31 August. Erin, Casey and Kirk – who all have asthma – say it is an opportunity to acknowledge someone who has a positive attitude and does things with their lives despite the challenges of a respiratory illness.

Virtually anyone can make a nomination and all nominees receive a certificate from the Foundation. Eight Supreme Achievers chosen by a panel will be presented with an award by the Governor-General in Wellington on November 10, 2009.

Casey says: ‘Asthma has made it that much harder to get to where I have today in netball. And, I know a lot of Kiwis get it much worse too. These awards are a brilliant idea, but if people want to make a nomination, they should do it soon because nominations close in a few days.’

Erin agrees. ‘I feel really strongly that people with asthma and other respiratory conditions have that extra thing to contend with in their lives…. I know that it has caused problems for me and I urge people to make a nomination for these awards because they are such a positive initiative.’

Kirk, whose youngest son has spent time in Starship Hospital with bad asthma, and was hospitalised as a child himself with asthma, knows about the challenges that the illness can pose in people’s lives.

‘Well, my asthma is not so bad now, but it has caused me a lot of drama over the years. What I like about this award is the message that “hey there are a lot of silent heroes out there.” Asthma takes it toll and makes life for a lot of people that bit harder. For others, it makes life very scary at times.’

Achievers are people who, for example, are right into their music or sport, do well at school or at work, have an interesting hobby or participate a lot in their local community. It might be someone who simply puts a smile on the face of everyone they meet.

The awards are held every two years and in 2007 the Supreme Achievers included a woman with bad asthma who swum Cook Strait, a boy with asthma who was an all round achiever at school and had represented Auckland in basketball for his age and a man with bad emphysema who was recognised for attending his pulmonary rehabilitation classes regularly and putting in a consistent effort.

Award nominations are easy to make at www.asthmafoundation.org.nz, by flicking an email to achievers@asthmafoundation.org.nz requesting a nomination form, or calling (04) 499 4592.

ENDS

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