When Karlee Ozkurt first picked up a vape at 15, she thought it made her look “badass.” But five years later, that choice nearly cost her life.

The Wisconsin native began vaping daily in high school — puffing through entire disposable vapes with fruity flavors like blueberry and watermelon. What started as teenage curiosity quickly became addiction. By 20, her doctors had a grim warning: she might not live past 40.

In 2021, Karlee’s right lung suddenly collapsed. The pain was unbearable — “like my lung was on fire,” she recalled. Doctors urged her to quit, but after months of trying, she slipped back into the habit. A year later, it happened again — only worse.

“The second time, my lung collapsed completely. The doctors had to fuse it to my chest wall,” she said.

Surgeons discovered deep scarring across her lungs — permanent damage they blamed on years of vaping. “You never think it’ll happen to you,” Karlee admitted. “But it happened to me.”

Now, even after surgery, she struggles to breathe deeply. Doctors warned that her lungs may never fully heal. Despite the trauma, nicotine’s grip remains strong — a battle she’s still fighting daily.

Karlee’s story has become a plea to young people: don’t start. “It’s not cool — it’s stupid,” she said. “You don’t need vaping to live.”

Her voice trembles when she talks about the future. “I just hope others listen before it’s too late.”