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Kerri MacKay

Kerri MacKay

Kerri MacKay is a writer, quantified self-enthusiast, and ePatient with ADHD and asthma.

  • Living With Condition: 15 Years
  • Location: Manitoba, Canada

About Kerri Mackay

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".

Connect with her:


Stories by Kerri

8 Weird Asthma Symptoms You Might Not Recognize

By Kerri MacKay
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Friends sitting on the coach

5 Responses for When People Don’t Take Your Asthma Seriously

By Kerri MacKay
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Asthma Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

By Kerri MacKay
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4 Things People with Asthma Are Tired of Hearing

By Kerri MacKay
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This Is What Asthma Actually Feels Like

By Kerri MacKay
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Asthma and Anxiety: Making Connections

By Kerri MacKay
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Houseplants

Hope or Hype: Could Houseplants Help Asthma?

By Kerri MacKay
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