Louisville, Kentucky – A mother is sounding the alarm after her teenage son experienced two life-threatening lung collapses attributed to vaping. Seventeen-year-old Cameron Vann, known as Dodge, began vaping secretly two years ago, following the trend among his peers at school. His mother, Crystal Vann, was unaware of his habit until troubling health symptoms forced her to confront the truth.
In September 2025, after Dodge stepped off the school bus appearing pale and complaining of back pain, Crystal rushed him to the emergency room. Diagnostic tests revealed that 50 percent of his left lung had collapsed, a condition known as pneumothorax. This occurs when air escapes into the chest cavity, creating pressure that can inhibit lung function. Emergency surgery was necessary to insert an 18-inch tube to remove the trapped air, allowing his lung to re-expand. Despite this serious health scare, Dodge resumed vaping without informing his mother.
The situation escalated in January 2026 when Dodge called Crystal from school, gasping for air and plagued by severe pain. They hurried back to the emergency room, where doctors warned that he could have suffered fatal consequences if he had waited longer. This time, the medical team performed a more complex procedure known as pleurodesis, which involved scraping the lung lining and sealing blisters on the lung’s surface to prevent future collapses.
The ordeal has left both mother and son shaken. “It was a nightmare,” Crystal reflected. “I kept thinking, ‘Why did this happen to him?’ He’s such a kind-hearted child.” Despite Dodge’s efforts to fit in, Crystal is clear about her disdain for vaping. “It’s not worth the risk,” she added, urging other teens to avoid similar paths.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that around 6 percent of adults in the U.S. engage in regular vaping, with usage particularly high among young adults aged 18 to 24. While e-cigarettes are often marketed as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, increasing evidence suggests they may lead to significant health issues, including hypertension and potential long-term lung damage. One recent case documented in a medical journal highlighted a man who died from aggressive lung cancer, attributed to his use of e-cigarettes.
Vaping involves inhaling aerosol created by heating liquid filled with nicotine, flavorings, and toxic chemicals. Research indicates that these substances can penetrate lung tissues, causing inflammation and DNA damage over time. Dodge, who has since stopped vaping “cold turkey,” continues to battle discomfort and fears another lung collapse could occur. “Even putting on a shirt is painful,” he said, expressing residual anxiety over his health.
As the family grapples with the aftermath of his health crisis, Crystal launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses. “He’s been so brave but is terrified of what comes next,” she noted, underscoring the emotional toll the experience has taken on them both. Crystal is now calling for stricter regulations on vaping products, urging lawmakers to consider a ban on e-cigarettes to protect other young people. “I just don’t want any other family to go through what we have endured,” she stated emphatically.
Through Dodge’s experience, both mother and son hope to raise awareness about the hidden dangers of vaping. “Don’t do it just to look cool,” Crystal cautioned, as she fights to keep her son and others safe from the devastating consequences of e-cigarette use.