First of all, let me say that I'm sorry for your lost, for I know how difficult it is to lose a part of your being such as a sibling. Although we are in the age of advanced technology, it would seem that we, especially Americans, should be able to cure any disease or illness, but unfortunately, as you know, we can not. After reading your post, it made me think -- how can a stage 4 cancer survivor beat the odds over asthma? It is frightening! So I began to seach around websites and may have found a main cause, one that technology could and can not help. The following is what I found to be of most importance:
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During the winter months, the days are shorter and people spend more time indoors. To those with asthma this can become a serious problem. One sufferer says, "As an asthmatic, I am deathly (I am not misusing this word) allergic to fragrances. Fragrance can deny access, it can create life threatening situations, it can prevent students from being fully present and cognizant in class, it can prevent workers from full productivity, and the presence of fragrance around those affected by it can cause accidents because we are not getting enough oxygen to our brain." Bottom line: Be considerate of others. Use unscented or hypoallergenic deodorants, soap, body lotion, hair products, and minimize the amount of fragrance, colognes, aftershave, or perfume that you choose to wear.
<>source: The American Lung Association of San Diego and Imperial Counties @ http://www.lungsandiego.org/asthma/wow_smell_kill.asp
So, although I do not know the specifics surrounding your sister's passing, it may have been attributed to a dire need for oxyen -- due to air constricting pollutants in the air. In retrospect, was she a person whom suffered from
the scents of deodorants, soap, body lotion, hair products, colognes, aftershave, or perfume? Now as I type, I realize how the scents of the aforementioned products can stifle one's respiratory system. In order to establish a change, it would consitute changing a way of life for so many people. First of all, our shopping habits, associating with people that wear scents at work school or play, and the hospitals included. It is really an enigma, but change can begin with just one person. Perhaps this is what was missed and maybe you can begin to educate others on its importance in memory of your sister. You were given a second chance and maybe this is your destiny, and you have my deepest sympathy.