A Kentucky mother is issuing a stark warning after her teenage son suffered two collapsed lungs from vaping. Cameron Vann, 17, began vaping two years ago to fit in with friends, keeping the habit secret from his mother, Crystal.
In September 2025, Dodge was rushed to the emergency room experiencing severe back pain. Doctors discovered 50 percent of his left lung had collapsed, a condition known as pneumothorax. A surgical tube was inserted to re-expand the lung. Despite this, Dodge continued vaping, leading to another collapse in January 2026. Doctors stated he could have died had he not received immediate care.
He underwent a more invasive surgery called pleurodesis to reattach the lung to the chest wall. Dodge has since quit vaping cold turkey but suffers from persistent pain. Statistics show about 6 percent of U.S. adults report regular vaping, with the highest rates among young adults. While often marketed as safer than smoking, research increasingly links vaping to long-term health issues, including potential links to aggressive lung cancer.
Crystal Vann is now advocating for nationwide sales restrictions, pleading with young people to avoid vaping solely to appear 'cool' and prevent others from facing similar life-threatening consequences.