A concerned mother in Kentucky is issuing a stark warning to parents and young people alike after her teenage son experienced a life-threatening double lung collapse directly linked to vaping. Cameron Vann, known affectionately as Dodge, began vaping two years ago, initially to fit in with friends at school, keeping his habit a secret from his mother, Crystal Vann.
The first alarming incident occurred in September 2025. Dodge, then 17, disembarked from his school bus looking visibly unwell, complaining of severe back pain. His mother, sensing something was seriously wrong, rushed him to the emergency room. A chest X-ray revealed a devastating diagnosis: 50 percent of his left lung had collapsed, a condition known as pneumothorax. This occurs when air infiltrates the chest cavity, applying dangerous pressure on the lung and preventing it from fully expanding.
The severity of Dodge’s pneumothorax necessitated a drastic medical intervention. Doctors had to surgically insert an 18-inch tube into his chest to drain the excess air and allow his compromised lung to re-inflate. Tragically, despite this harrowing experience, Dodge continued to vape in secret, unaware of the further peril he was placing himself in.
The situation escalated dramatically in January 2026. Dodge’s mother received a frantic call from him at school. He was struggling to breathe and in excruciating pain, confessing, “I’m hurting, but I don’t know if it’s my lung or not.” The dash back to the emergency room was fraught with fear, with medical staff later informing Crystal that “he could have died in the lobby.”
His lung had collapsed for a second time. This recurrent and more severe event required a more aggressive surgical procedure, a pleurodesis. During this operation, surgeons deliberately irritated the lining of his lung and then stapled fluid or air-filled blisters, known as blebs, to the upper part of his lung. The ultimate goal was to adhere the lung firmly to the chest wall, preventing future collapses.
Crystal Vann recounted the ordeal with palpable distress. “He went through a lot. It was horrible. I thought, ‘Why him?’ I feared he was going to die,” she shared. Reflecting on the initial temptation, she added, “His friends tried [vaping] and then he tried it. I don’t like it at all.”
Dodge’s harrowing experience is not an isolated incident. Vaping has become a significant public health concern, particularly among younger demographics. Recent data indicates that approximately 6 percent of US adults, equating to around 17 million individuals, are regular vapers. The highest prevalence is observed in young adults aged 18 to 24, with over 15 percent in this age bracket reporting consistent use, according to 2024 CDC figures. While vaping usage among middle and high school students has seen a decline since its 2019 peak, approximately 1.6 million young people are still engaging in the practice.
Vaping has often been marketed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, which is a known cause of an overwhelming nine out of ten lung cancer cases in the US. However, a growing body of scientific evidence is raising serious alarms about the long-term health consequences associated with vaping. Research now suggests potential links to other serious conditions, including high blood pressure and stroke.
Earlier this year, medical professionals published details of a tragic case in New Jersey where a man succumbed to aggressive lung cancer. This case is believed to be the first instance where e-cigarette use was directly identified as the cause of such a severe and fatal outcome.
The mechanism behind vaping’s harm lies in the aerosol produced when e-liquids are heated. These liquids typically contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance, along with flavourings and a cocktail of toxic chemicals. When inhaled, this aerosol delivers harmful agents deep into the lungs. These can include known carcinogens like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, as well as other volatile organic compounds.
Over time, these inhaled substances can inflict damage on lung tissue. This chronic damage can trigger DNA mutations and persistent inflammation, significantly increasing the risk of developing cancer.
Following his second lung collapse, Dodge made the resolute decision to quit vaping “cold turkey.” However, the physical toll of his ordeal has left him with lingering, debilitating pain in his left side. This pain intensifies with everyday activities, such as putting on clothes or even talking, which can cause vibrations that exacerbate the discomfort.
“After the surgery the nerves are dead,” Dodge explained, highlighting the persistent discomfort. “Even putting on a shirt feels awful when touching it. Talking vibrates it sometimes, and it hurts so much. I get stabbing pains in my side and can’t go to school.” He emphasised his commitment to abstaining, stating, “I quit cold turkey. I’m not hitting one ever again. I’m trying to stay away from secondhand smoke and everything. I’ve had nightmares about it.”
A GoFundMe page was established to assist with Dodge’s considerable medical treatment costs. His mother described his suffering with deep emotion. “He’s so little. It hurts in his back, and he does not want to go to sleep because it hurts when he wakes up,” she said. “He’s such a kind and passionate kid with a big heart for others, so seeing him in pain is incredibly hard for me as his mom. He’s been so brave, but he’s also scared, asking me if his lung might collapse again while he sleeps.”
Now, Crystal Vann is channeling her grief and concern into advocacy. She is imploring young people to steer clear of vaping and is calling for stringent nationwide sales restrictions on e-cigarette products. “I say ban on all vapes,” she declared. “I don’t want another kid going through it. Don’t do it just to be cool.” Her plea serves as a powerful reminder of the hidden dangers lurking within seemingly innocuous vaping devices.
