THE parents of a Flagstone boy who recently lost his life to asthma are speaking out in the hope of preventing similar tragedies from occurring.
Rosanna and Tom Vidoni lost their eldest son Callum Vidoni-Waters, a former Flagstone State Community College student, on July 18, just days after his 16th birthday.
Ever since he was a baby, the cheeky young man who had a great love for animals, struggled with what most people do daily without thinking - breathe.
On the day he died, Callum was home alone when he found himself struggling to breathe.
He phoned for an ambulance, asking for assistance, and walked down the hallway to the front door.
In a tragic turn of events, Callum reached up, grabbed the handle and before he could open it collapsed onto the ground, breaking the lock.
When paramedics arrived they banged on the door, attracting the attention of next door neighbour Dave Munton.
By the time Mr Munton had phoned Mr Vidoni, who told him to break through a window, it was too late for Callum.
Mrs Vidoni said they believed their son had taken a shower shortly before the attack.
"We think the change in temperature, from being in the shower and then walking to his room, may have started it," she said.
"He has gotten wheezy before from doing that.
"Also, I found out he had been letting the dog into his room. When I laid down on his bed after he died I thought 'you cheeky bugger, you have been letting Brudis in', because I had dog hair all over me."
Mrs Vidoni said they believed the combination of the drop in temperature and dog hair may have inadvertently created a deadly mix for their boy.
"Parents really need to find out what triggers their child's asthma, and keep a close eye on it, it's so quick, people think it's just asthma but it can kill."
Mr Vidoni said since Callum's death, the support received by the family from the community has been wonderful.
In particular Mr Vidoni thanked neighbour Mr Munton, who helped the paramedics get into the home, and family friend Corey Dellamotte who performed CPR on Callum.
A big brother to Olivia, 11, and Joseph, 6, the family has vowed to keep Callum's memory alive.
"I keep expecting him to call out 'dad,' you know, you turn around thinking you hear him but..." Mr Vidoni said.
"I talk to him all the time, he's here with me, I know he is."
?For more information about asthma, visit www.asthmaaustralia.org.au
