Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laonis Quinn. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Laonis, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

My defining moment came with the loss of my oldest son Anthony (Tony) to a fatal asthma attack a few years ago. My life was forever changed. Tony had severe asthma since the age of 2. When he was first diagnosed, it was right after a sever attack. We were referred to a awesome pulmonologist at Children’s Hospital in Detroit. She took great care of Tony for a little over seven years, then she retired. This physician was part of a group of allergist and other pulmonologist, so after her retirement, we continue with this same clinic and staff that knew Tony very well. As time went on Tony’s asthma was up and down, never really under controlled. To make a long story short, when Tony turned 21, we were at a well visit at the clinic, and when we where ready for discharge, we were told “This is Tony’s last appointment with us”. Understandably , I was extremally upset. What are you talking about? I asked, his last day. How could this be? Where will we go, who’s going to take care of Tony? There were so many questions. I was heart broken. I had to find a free clinic. With that said, there were numerous emergency room visits and hospitalizations, He told me ‘mommy I’m tired of this. About a year and a half Tony Passed away.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a Registered Nurse and a Certified Asthma Educator. I founded and I am the executive director of Breathe Anthony J Chapman Asthma Foundation. We are a 501 c 3 non-profit organization. This foundation was founded to honor my very brave and courageous son Tony. We provide extensive asthma education and bring about awareness to the seriousness of asthma. We also provide much-needed asthma tools to help prevent asthma attacks, and hopefully reduce hospital visits and deaths related to asthma. Our tools are air purifiers, pillow and mattress covers, spacers, nebulizers, pulse oximeters, and literature that will enhance your understanding about asthma. I believe we are the only non-profit asthma education foundation in the Detroit area. I am most proud of that we are able to reach the underserved community that are in need of asthma education and assistance. We are a growing and thriving organization that continues to support our underserved communities that suffer from asthma. Also, I’ve been invited to speak at several events about Tony’s story and why it is important that we sound the alarm on the disparities that African Americans and people of color face with access to quality care. I went to Washington DC this past May 6 2023 for Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill and I spoke with several congressional leaders about the importance of access to care and also the “one nurse, one school act. Coming up in July, I have been invited to the National Medical Association Convention, to tell Tony’s story. It’s important to me to able to reach as many people as I can. These platforms including interview such as this, allows me tell his story. Tony’s story is relevant and it’s powerful It certainly has changed the trajectory of my life. I know that Tony would be extremally proud of the work that we are doing, He was such a giver and had a huge heart for people.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

My resilience, was very evident 7-8 years ago. I knew I wanted to do something to honor Tony, but every idea I had never came to fruition, from going into the schools to talk to the teachers and students, to writing a book. Until one day I was at work ( I work midnights 7p.m. to 7 am) and a nurse that works day shift in another part of the hospital, came around to my floor. She usually gets off work around 5pm. I did not know her name, but I had seen her several times in the hospital, during meetings. I asked her why was she so late leaving and why was she on my unit. She stated, she was just wandering around, but about to go home We started talking, and I don’t remember how Tony’s name came up and my desire to honor him and keep his name alive. I told her I had been searching for about 6-7 years and nothing I did worked. She stated, “why don’t you start a foundation” I told her I didn’t know anything about running a foundation, or where to start. She stated you’ll learn. The next day I called my son and told him what had transpired and how I wanted to try and start the foundation. Through trial and error and tears and let downs, the Breathe Anthony J Chapman Asthma Foundation has been in existence since October 2019. We are still learning and but I happy that I did not give up on my dream of honoring Tony. This foundation is definitely the best thing that could have happened. By the way I have not seen the nurse that came to my floor that night, nor do I know her name. There are angels in this world for sure. We are blessed beyond measure.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Yes, absolutely, I’m a Registered Nurse for over 25 years, I love taking care of people. My first desire was to become a doctor, but that dream fizzled out, and I’m glad I didn’t become a doctor. I’m a nurturer. Being a Registered Nurse set the stage for me to become a Certified Asthma Educator (AE-C). When I started the foundation I knew I needed, some more credentials , to become an effective asthma educator, so I studied and pass the certification exam. All for the love of Tony

Contact Info:

• Website: Breatheajcfoundation.org
• Instagram: breatheanthonychapmanasthmafoundation
• Facebook: Breathe Anthony J Chapman Asthma Foundation
• Linkedin: Laonis Quinn
• Youtube: Breathe Anthony J Chapman Asthma Foundation

Image Credits
AMGEN Pharmaceuticals