Elizabeth City community holds Breath of Hope Parade for boy with asthma

The Elizabeth City area community came together Saturday for the Breath of Hope Parade to support Karter Boomer, a young boy battling severe asthma, WITN reported. The event was organized by Karter's mother, Sheckaira Boomer, to raise awareness about his condition and show him he is not alone.

Karter was hospitalized three weeks prior to the parade, and his family said the fall season and flu season make his asthma symptoms worse. His aunt, Kiaira Boomer, who is a coach, works with him to strengthen his lungs and hopes he will outgrow the disease and participate in sports one day.

During the parade, Karter expressed feeling "happy" surrounded by family and friends. His grandmother, Terrell Williams, said the event was meant to show support and help Karter know he is loved during his health struggles.

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes airway inflammation and muscle tightening, making breathing difficult, according to the World Health Organization. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America notes that nearly 5 million children under 18 in the U.S. have asthma, with over half experiencing attacks in 2022.