History

History

Founded by two St. Louis-area allergists, Dr. Raymond Slavin and Dr. Phillip Korenblat, and Marylin Horst, a Medical Social Worker at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter “opened its doors” in 1981.  Seeing the tremendous need in the St. Louis community for an organization that could provide underserved children with life-saving asthma and allergy medications, equipment, education and support, Slavin, Korenblat and Horst created AAFA-STL’s perennial Project Concern program (now called BREATH), which continues to serve uninsured and underinsured kids to this day.  Educational, advocacy and other support programs followed, and are key components of AAFA-STL’s mission.

AAFA-STL is one of five chapters of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, which is headquartered outside of Washington D.C.

Mission

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter serves those affected by asthma and allergies through education, support and resources.

“I grew up knowing about AAFA-STL, I attended many Orchid Balls growing up, I always list AAFA-STL as a supportive and educational resource for professionals and families during asthma presentations or when working with families, but until this past year did I truly witness the miracles and magic of AAFA-STL.  Working at St. Louis Children’s Hospital has provided me the opportunity to directly work with families who have barriers to getting their children their asthma medication.  Families who struggle with making sure their basic needs are being met or are working many jobs and can’t afford their medication co-pays are many times not able to get their children the asthma medications they deserve and require.  Asthma and Allergy Foundation’s BREATH program saves children’s lives.  When families are first told about the BREATH program they are completely shocked that someone is willing to help in such a monumental way.  When the families understand how we are trying to help them I have seen how it strengthens their resolve.  The magic happens after the application is faxed and then like waving a magic wand we find out within moments, truly within moments whether a family is approved or not.  The process is seamless, efficient, and conducted thoughtfully and professionally. St. Louis is so fortunate to have an Asthma and Allergy Foundation and I feel fortunate and honored every time I tell a family about AAFA-STL and the BREATH program, especially knowing the role my father played in making sure the foundation is alive and thriving.”
-Missy Korenblat-Hanin, ACSW, LCSW
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Pediatric Asthma Social Worker