When Andrea and Paul Haynes received a late-night call to “come get your daughter,” they had no idea their 13-year-old Esra’s life was slipping away.
Esra had been “chroming”—inhaling aerosol deodorant to get high—while hanging out with friends. This dangerous act caused her to suffer cardiac arrest and severe brain damage. Eight days later, her parents made the agonizing decision to remove her from life support. Esra, described as athletic, fun, and full of life, left her family and community shattered. Her parents had never even heard of chroming before this tragedy. Now, they’re on a mission to warn others about its deadly risks.
Chroming has caused multiple deaths in Australia and around the world. It can lead to seizures, coma, organ failure, and sudden death, yet it remains dangerously popular among teens.
“If we had known, we would have warned her,” Paul said. “Parents need to talk to their kids.”
The Haynes family is urging all parents to have open conversations about the risks of chroming and other online trends. One talk could save a life.
Let Esra’s story be a wake-up call. Share it. Speak up.