As May is Asthma Awareness Month, it seems as appropriate a time as any to take note of the profound impact this ailment has on millions of people, particularly children. The most common chronic condition among children, asthma affects one in every 12 school-age children.

Asthma cases have risen at an alarming rate since 2001, but exact reasons for the spike remain unknown. Many believe a jump in environmental pollution has been a chief factor.

Regardless of what has prompted the increase, asthma can be deadly. It takes the lives of 11 Americans each day, resulting in more than 4,000 asthma-related deaths annually. But its non-lethal implications are also serious. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism. More than 40 percent of all asthma-related hospitalizations involve children, making it the third-leading cause of hospitalization for kids aged 15 and younger.

You can make a difference. During this month in which we remind ourselves of the toll of asthma, please consider donating to medical research in the treatment of childhood asthma.