Kerri MacKay is a writer, quantified self-enthusiast, and ePatient with ADHD and asthma. She is the Canadian Severe Asthma Network patient group lead, involved in asthma research as a patient investigator with the University of Alberta’s Pulmonary Research Group, and a peer mentor for children with asthma with Asthma Canada’s Asthma Pals mentorship program. She coaches the Manitoba Goalball team with Manitoba Blind Sports and young athletes with Special Olympics Manitoba. She loves airplanes, traveling, writing, cupcakes, notebooks, and T-shirts.
Brief history with the condition(s)
"I was diagnosed with asthma in 2008 at the age of 17 after a series of misdiagnoses. Frustrated with my asthma and struggling to access proper care, I made it my mission to find resources for adolescents with asthma and connect with people like me. Thanks to my messed-up lungs, I’ve made many friends and best friends whom I remain connected to a decade later.
In the years since my asthma diagnosis, I became a peer mentor with Asthma Canada’s Asthma Pals online mentorship program for children 7 to 11. I’m also a member of the Government Relations committee, the Patient Advisors Network, and the CSAN Patient Group Lead, and have participated in research as a Patient Investigator with the University of Alberta Pulmonary Research Group via CSAN.
I was assessed for and diagnosed with adult ADHD when I was 21, in 2013. Applying the self-advocacy skills I learned through my asthma diagnosis, I was able to better understand how my brain works. Five years later, I’m happy to embrace neurodiversity and accept the many positives of ADHD.
UK/MED/18/0284 October 2019