What started as a hopeful step toward better health turned into a difficult and heartbreaking journey for 39-year-old Loyda Cordero Faliero, a mother from Franklinville, New York. After more than two decades of smoking, she made the decision to quit and turned to vaping, believing it would be a safer alternative and a positive example for her children.

But within two years, her health took a serious turn. One morning, she collapsed and was rushed to the hospital, struggling to breathe. The diagnosis: bullous emphysema, a severe and irreversible lung condition.

Faliero was stunned. The device she had trusted to support her health had contributed to a crisis she never expected. Doctors found her lungs were filled with large air pockets caused by inflammation. One of these pockets ruptured, leading to a collapsed lung.

“My lung collapsed because of fluid buildup. I didn’t realize how serious things had become,” she said.

Before her diagnosis, Faliero led an active life. Now, everyday tasks like cooking, walking short distances, or even lying down are exhausting. She sleeps in a recliner to avoid breathing complications, and the simplest activities leave her winded and in pain.

“Even making dinner can end with me in tears,” she shared.

Faliero says her health decline happened rapidly after switching to e-cigarettes. While she intended vaping to be a temporary aid, it became a frequent habit. “I ended up vaping more than I ever smoked,” she admitted. “It started as a replacement and quickly became something I relied on constantly.”

Her doctors noted that her condition worsened not from her years of smoking, but from the intensity of her later vaping habit. Now, she is focused on raising awareness and sharing her story to help others make more informed choices.

“This isn’t just flavored vapor—it can have real consequences,” she said. “I just want people to take it seriously and not assume it’s risk-free.”

Though her daily life has changed dramatically, Faliero is determined to speak out. She hopes her experience will encourage more conversations about lung health and the importance of fully understanding what we put into our bodies.

“I’m not sharing this to scare people,” she emphasized. “I’m sharing it to help someone else avoid what I’m going through.”

Faliero’s journey is a powerful reminder that when it comes to health, decisions matter—and seeking information, support, and guidance can make all the difference.