I Dreamed of Being a College Athlete. Then Vaping Almost Killed Me (Exclusive)

**I Dreamed of Being a College Athlete Until Vaping Almost Killed Me (Exclusive)**

Addie Hunter, an 18-year-old from northeastern Oklahoma, had dreams of becoming a college athlete until vaping almost took her life. In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Addie shared her harrowing experience with vaping that left her fighting for survival.

It all started in October 2023 when Addie, a high school senior at the time, was rushed to the emergency room struggling to breathe. Doctors inquired about her smoking or vaping habits, to which her mother, Andrea Hunter, initially denied. It wasn’t until the fifth day in the hospital that a vape was discovered in Addie’s belongings, revealing the shocking truth about her habit.

Having vaped for six years, Addie’s lungs were severely impacted, covered in blisters and leading to a collapsed left lung. Placed in a paralytic coma and on a ventilator, Addie’s parents were given the devastating news that they may have to say their goodbyes. However, against all odds, Addie opened her eyes 13 days later, defying the grim prognosis.

Despite her miraculous recovery, Addie’s aspirations of pursuing competitive sports were shattered. An avid basketball player aiming for a college team spot, Addie’s dreams were dashed due to the long-lasting effects of her vaping ordeal.

Reflecting on her journey, Addie revealed that her foray into vaping began in seventh grade to fit in with her peers. Initially, she would mimic the act without inhaling but eventually progressed to inhaling as well, succumbing to the peer pressure prevalent in high school social scenes.

The turning point came during her senior year when a moment of vaping while undergoing a breathing treatment led to a complete shutdown of her lungs. With her oxygen levels plummeting dangerously low, Addie’s life hung by a thread as she was rushed to the hospital, where she underwent a series of critical medical interventions to keep her alive.

Addie’s ordeal extended to a medically induced coma, with doctors conveying to her parents that the situation was dire and potentially irreversible. However, against all odds, on the 13th day, Addie woke up, a testimony to her remarkable resilience and the power of healing.

Since her recovery, Addie and her family have been on a mission to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping. Their advocacy includes school assemblies where Addie shares her story, aiming to dissuade young individuals from engaging in this harmful habit. Through her efforts, Addie has already impacted the lives of numerous students, with the hope of preventing others from facing the same dire consequences she endured.

As Addie continues to navigate life post-recovery, her voice serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden dangers of vaping and the irreversible impact it can have on one’s health and aspirations. Her story stands as a compelling cautionary tale, urging individuals to think twice before succumbing to peer pressure and risking their lives for momentary gratification.

In a world where vaping has become increasingly prevalent among young people, Addie’s story serves as a stark reminder of the real and potentially fatal consequences of succumbing to harmful trends. Her resilience, advocacy, and determination to educate others stand as a beacon of hope and a call to action to prioritise health and well-being above fleeting social acceptance.

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By presenting Addie’s story in a structured and informative manner, readers can easily grasp the gravity of her experience and the crucial message she is advocating for. The narrative encapsulates Addie’s journey from aspiration to adversity, highlighting the transformative impact of her ordeal and the positive initiative she has undertaken post-recovery.