Michael Starkweather
Fresh Air
Fresh Air is a foundation that brings change and awareness to medicine price-gauging and helps create better access to medical supplies related to lung health. The foundation would ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths.
Artist/Thesis Statement
I was diagnosed with emphysema when I was 20 years old. I’ve had it my whole life, but I always just thought it was asthma. It has been difficult to adjust over the past few years. In a way, I’ve been afraid to acknowledge it and make it any more real than it is. However, I am lucky because I’m in good health now and I take good care of myself. I’m using this project to take advantage of that luck. I have something that I’m deeply connected to so I feel like I should help those that aren’t as lucky as I am.
Without insurance, there are people spending $300 a month on oxygen and the same amount on emergency inhalers. I’m focused on bringing change to these numbers with Fresh Air. The foundation collects donations and directly reimburses families and individuals struggling to pay their medical bills. The website for Fresh Air hosts resources for those who need help and information for those looking to support.
