During Thanksgiving in Maine, 11-year-old Oakley Debbs, an exceptional student and athlete from West Palm Beach, Florida, faced a tragic event. Despite having asthma and food allergies, Oakley was always active in sports.
On that fateful day, Oakley chose to indulge in a piece of cake from a holiday feast basket. Little did he know, this decision would lead to a series of unfortunate events.
After consuming the cake, which contained traces of nuts, Oakley’s health took a sharp turn. His family’s efforts to save him turned into a heartbreaking campaign to spread awareness and prevent similar incidents.
Oakley, a lover of tennis, soccer, and running marathons, took necessary precautions due to his nut allergy. His mother, Merrill Debbs, always ensured that he checked food labels meticulously.
Despite receiving Benadryl for the nut reaction, Oakley’s condition worsened. Initially showing minor symptoms, he quickly deteriorated, experiencing chest pain and vomiting.
Tragically, when emergency services arrived, Oakley was in critical condition – unresponsive and with blocked airways. Despite efforts to save him, he passed away, leaving his family devastated.
In honor of Oakley’s memory, his family established the Red Sneaker Foundation to educate others about anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
Emphasizing the importance of early intervention, experts stress the immediate use of epinephrine in cases of allergic reactions.
Merrill fondly remembers Oakley as a remarkable child, envisioning his legacy in raising awareness about food allergies even after his passing.
Please share this story to raise awareness of the dangers of food allergies and how we can help prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
