PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The annual Phillies charity 5K will return this weekend for the first time in two years. Among the runners will be a Montgomery County woman who is breathing easier after a new treatment.
Some estimates suggest that 20% of the population in Philadelphia has asthma – a chronic inflammation of the airways. Now, there is a new treatment option for people with severe asthma.
Read more: Pennsylvania police agencies donated nearly 100 ballistic vests, 50 helmets to Ukraine
Hannah Ludescher is getting ready for the Phillies Charities 5K, relieved she’s back to her favorite hobby.
“I ran marathons, I did triathlons, then my asthma got really bad,” she said. “I was actually in the hospital, every month in the ICU.”
The Philadelphia area has one of the highest asthma rates in the country, especially among African Americans. Now, spring allergy season makes breathing even more difficult for people with asthma.
For Ludescher, this has been a year-long problem.
“I couldn’t do anything,” said Ludescher. “I was completely sad.”
For people with severe asthma like Ludesher, Temple University Hospital is conducting a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty,
Dr. Sean Duffy says it uses thermal heat to make breathing easier.
Read more: Police Dispatch Audio Reveals Emergency Crew’s Response to I-95 Crash That Killed 2 Pennsylvania State Police Soldiers, Pedestrians
“It actually contracts the muscles around the airway,” Duffy said. “So when you contract that muscle, you reduce the ability of the airway to contract so that it can’t close as easily. It actually results in fewer symptoms and less exacerbation for our asthma patients.”
Ludesher says the process changed his life.
“I am able to live my life again, I am able to do all the things that I love,” Ludescher said. “I’m faster, I’m able to breathe. I’m happier now.”
She will be among the thousands expected on Saturday morning for the 12th Annual Phillies Charities 5K, returning in person for the first time in two years at Citizens Bank Park. The money raised goes to a variety of community charities.
For Ludescher, it’s all about determination.
“Don’t give up hope,” she said. “When someone told me I wouldn’t be able to run again, I didn’t listen.”
Doctors say people with less severe cases of asthma can usually be successfully treated with inhalers and other treatments.
More news: Philadelphia Counselor Kenyatta Johnson’s Inaugural Statement at Corruption Trial Begins Thursday
For the return of the Phillies Charities 5K this Saturday, registration is open until Friday. You can do this register here,