Together, we can give breaths to the breathless

CureTBM, founded by Jennifer Champy, is devoted to raising awareness about TracheoBronchoMalacia in children and adults. 

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The team at CureTBM advocates, educates and provides research funding to help find a cure for TBM. 

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CureTBM is the ONLY non-profit in the WORLD to fund TBM research!

Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Cure TBM was awarded "A 2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit" 

by "Great Nonprofits" in July 2020! Click here to read the reviews!

Tracheobronchomalacia, or TBM for short, is a softening (malacia) of the trachea (wind pipe) and bronchi (passageways into the lungs). When these areas are weak they often collapse, making the airway very narrow and cause breathing difficulties for patients. There are two forms of TBM, primary tracheobronchomalacia, which is seen in pediatric patients, and secondary tracheobronchomalacia which is seen in adults. TBM has previously been thought to be a rare medical condition, when in reality, the condition is under/misdiagnosed. 

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Symptoms of TBM include:

• persistent cough

• inability to clear secretions

• difficulty breathing (specifically exhaling, or breathing out)

• chronic infections

• "barking" cough

• low oxygen levels

CureTBM works with many medical centers, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston Children's Hospital, to assist patients in being evaluated and diagnosed. Both of these facilities are located in Boston, Massachusetts.  

Once diagnosed with TBM, treatment options vary and are specific to the patient. Options may include respiratory therapy, medications, and/or surgical intervention. For specific information please select one of the links below to find out more about TBM and how it may relate to you, or your loved one specifically. 

News & Publications

News & Events

In tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and other disorders, weakened airway walls lead to expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) and can cause symptoms of cough, dyspnea, retained secretions, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Diagnosis of severe ECAC is based on the presence of >90% expiratory airway collapse on dynamic computed tomography (CT) and/or bronchoscopy. To learn more, click here!

Recent Publications

In tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) and other disorders, weakened airway walls lead to expiratory central airway collapse (ECAC) and can cause symptoms of cough, dyspnea, retained secretions, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Diagnosis of severe ECAC is based on the presence of >90% expiratory airway collapse on dynamic computed tomography (CT) and/or bronchoscopy. To find out more, click here!

Excessive Dynamic Airway Collpase or Tracheobronchomlacia.  Does it make a difference? 

Current concepts in severe adult tracheobronchomalacia: evaluation and treatment

How do we treat Tracheomalacia?

Effects of Posterior Tracheopexy

Dr. Russell Jennings of Boston Children' Hospital explains the various treatment options for Tracheomalacia in pediatric patients. Watch this short video using model demonstrations to better understand the various types of airway collapse: posterior intrusion, anterior collapse and vasular Compression. For more information on treatment options, contact Boston Children's Hospital (617) 355-3038.