George to the Rescue transformed the Fruhschein family’s home with a whole-home approach to asthma & allergy trigger management, featuring products CERTIFIED by the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program

In the latest heartwarming episode of George to the Rescue, Emmy Award-winning host George Oliphant leads a life-changing renovation for the Fruhschein family, a close-knit and inspiring household led by Michelle, affectionately known as “Mama Bear for Rare.” Michelle is a passionate special needs teacher and advocate who has used social media to raise awareness for rare diseases like Jordan’s Syndrome, the condition her 4-year-old daughter Hailey was diagnosed with as an infant.

Hailey, despite the significant challenges posed by her condition, which include developmental delays, mobility issues, and seizures, is a bright and expressive child. Although non-verbal, her determination to overcome each hurdle continues to amaze those around her. This episode highlights how George and his team transformed the Fruhschein family’s basement into a space tailored for Hailey’s therapy and developmental needs, while also ensuring it supports a healthier home environment by addressing asthma triggers, creating a space that promotes family togetherness and well-being.

The Fruhschein Family: An Inspiration

Mama Bear for Rare

The Fruhschein Family

At the heart of this story is Michelle, whose advocacy work for Jordan’s Syndrome has touched countless lives. Known as “Mama Bear for Rare,” Michelle has cultivated a community of parents raising children with rare diseases. Through social media, she not only raises awareness but also offers support, advice, and hope to other families in similar situations. Her strength is mirrored by her husband, Andrew, a nurse, and their two children—Hailey, the courageous fighter, and Noah, a 6.5-year-old with asthma who embodies what it means to be a loving, protective big brother. The family dog, Bailey, adds a further layer of joy to their lives.

Noah has also faced significant health challenges, with his asthma worsening in recent months. Both children use inhalers. Throughout the episode, the resilience and love within the Fruhschein family shines through, making this renovation not just a physical transformation but an emotional one for the family and everyone watching.

A Whole Home Approach to Asthma and Allergy Management

George to the Rescue asthma renovation

CERTIFIED Filtrete™ Furnace Filters

In this episode, George to the Rescue takes a “whole home approach” to addressing asthma and allergy triggers, a necessity for a family like the Fruhscheins, who have dealt with hospitalizations due to respiratory-related issues. The show’s team paid special attention to ensuring that each room in the house was optimized to reduce potential asthma and allergy triggers.

During the renovation, Kenny Mendez, CEO and President of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), was onsite to supervise the process and offer expert advice on how to effectively reduce triggers throughout the home.

Central to this was the installation of HVAC filters CERTIFIED by the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program. These innovative Filtrete™ Furnace Filters from 3M are rigorously tested to ensure they reduce exposure to key allergens and asthma triggers from the air, creating a healthier breathing environment for Noah and Hailey.

 “Adopting a “whole home approach” has really opened our eyes to tackling asthma and allergies at home. It ensures every part of the house is set up to minimize triggers, for anyone dealing with asthma and allergies.” said Andrew Bank, Producer of George to the Rescue

How the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program Tests HVAC Filters

The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program tests HVAC filters by using a standardized test duct, where dust containing allergens like pollen, house dust mite allergen, and cat allergen is forced through the filter. The air that passes through is tested to see how well the filter performs. Filters are required to capture at least:

  • 95% of pollen,
  • 92.5% of house dust mite allergen, and
  • 85% of cat allergen.

Additionally, the filters are tested for seal integrity and loaded performance to ensure they work effectively over time. This commitment to reducing airborne allergens makes the CERTIFIED HVAC filters a vital tool for managing asthma and allergy triggers in the Fruhschein home.

A Generous Community of Support

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Renegade Brands

This renovation would not have been possible without the generous contributions of several companies whose products are CERTIFIED by the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program , helping to reduce triggers of asthma and allergies through a whole-home approach.

 3M, the company behind the innovative Filtrete™ Furnace Filters, led the charge by donating top-of-the-line filters to help create a healthier indoor air environment. In addition, several other brands came together to donate CERTIFIED products that would help improve the environment for the Fruhschein family. These companies include DOWNLITE, LG Electronics USA, National Allergy, Renegade Brands, SIJO, Protect-a-bed, and Wicked Sheets Together, they provided high-quality bedding, air filters, laundry detergent and other household products that met the rigorous standards required to be CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly®.

A Focus on Health and Family

The transformation of the Fruhschein home goes beyond just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to how a community can come together to create not just a space, but a healthier environment for a family dealing with health challenges. Through the installation of CERTIFIED products, George and his team ensured that this home was not only functional for Hailey’s therapy but also provided Noah and Hailey with a space that supports their wellbeing.

As Michelle continues to raise awareness about rare diseases, the Fruhscheins serve as a source of strength and inspiration for families everywhere.. And with the help of the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program and the generous donations from CERTIFIED companies, their home is now a reflection of their strength, love, and commitment to overcoming life’s challenges together.

Watch the full episode of George to the Rescue and witness this incredible transformation: YouTube Link.