Brendon McLarty Memorial Foundation Visits Walter Public School

Monday, January 6, 2020, Dr. Greg Blair, his daughter Alex Blair, and Jon McLarty presented asthma inhalers, spacers, and educational packets to all 3 campuses at Walters Public Schools. This presentation was a part of the District’s Professional Development program on Healthy Schools. Mr. McLarty attended Walters Public Schools through 9th grade, with the graduating class of 1987.

The Brendon McLarty Memorial Foundation was established in July 2017 by Lori McLarty and Jennifer Blair to celebrate and honor the life of special young man, Brendon McLarty. Brendon had a heart of gold and could light up any room with his big smile. Brendon died on May 20, 2012 at the age of 16 after suffering a fatal asthma attack.

Their mission is to educate and emphasize the importance of asthma awareness. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed with proper prevention and treatment. Patients, family members, and caregivers can be taught to recognize the early signs and symptoms of an asthma attack. They can also be taught what to do during an asthma attack, and how to recognize and avoid environmental triggers. Many fatal asthma attacks can be prevented by early recognition and treatment.

In 2019, the foundation began a partnership with The Children’s Hospital at OU Medicine to provide “asthma kits” for patients seen in the emergency department. The kits provide asthma educational material and supplies for patients with newly diagnosed or uncontrolled asthma. The foundation actively advocated for SB 381 “Brendon’s Bill” which will allow schools to stock albuterol inhalers in the event that a child goes into respiratory distress. The bill passed and was signed by Governor Stitt on April 23, 2019. The foundation will be active in the process of implementation.

For more information, or if you would like to donate to Brendon’s cause, please contact BrendonMcLarty-Foundation.org or call 1-580-336-7431.