Allergy & Asthma Network Joins Asthma Awareness Efforts in Maui
Published: May 19, 2025 Revised: May 23rd, 2025
Carmen Pasion Dagulo loved taking photographs. Family gatherings. Walks on the beach. Her everyday life on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
“She would always say, ‘It’s memories – take pictures for memories,’” Carmen’s sister Lalaine says. “I remember thinking that they were too much, too many, so unnecessary.”
Carmen’s memory lives on after her sudden passing on Jan. 27, 2022. A severe asthma attack took her life at the age of 56.
“Now I realize [the photos are a] treasure Carmen created for our family and friends. A living legacy suddenly so precious – so many memories that we will forever cherish,” Lalaine says.
Carmen’s family wanted to honor her legacy by helping others in their Maui community. They are raising awareness of asthma – particularly adult asthma – at community and charity events.
On May 10, 2025, Carmen’s family participated in Maui Matsuri’s Children’s Day, one of the largest public family gatherings in Hawaii. They introduced the Breathe Easy Challenge, an interactive game they created to help families understand asthma triggers. They also distributed asthma resources provided by Allergy & Asthma Network.
“Watching children laugh, learn, and engage reminded us why this work matters,” Lalaine says. “When we bring health awareness into our communities in fun, accessible ways, we plant seeds of hope, understanding, and lifelong impact.”
On Sept. 25, 2022, Allergy & Asthma Network partnered with Carmen’s family to host a “Lungs for Life” Asthma Awareness Event and Fitness Day. It was held at Level Up Maui in Kahului. The event raised $3,000. Funds benefit Allergy & Asthma Network’s asthma awareness and education programs in Maui.
The event included fitness instruction for people of all ages and a kickboxing class for ages 13 and up. Regular physical activity is an important part of asthma management. It can improve lung function by building stamina. It can also boost the immune system.
Carmen touched the hearts and lives of countless people on Maui. “She was always so giving, devoted to her family and friends, friendly and helpful, and especially, self-sacrificing,” Lalaine says.
Mahalo to Lalaine for leading the charge in raising asthma awareness in Maui.
Approximately 93,000 Hawaii residents live with asthma. One-third of those are children. Every year, about 6,500 people in Hawaii go to the emergency department or are hospitalized due to asthma.
