This happened during the day of thanks in Maine, when 11-year-old Okli Debbs enjoyed a vacation with his family. A smart student from West Palm Beach, Florida, as well as a talented athlete, despite asthma and allergies for nuts, happily participated in the celebration. Fortunately for him, the family ordered a festive basket, and the octuys decided to try a piece of a pound pie from the assortment of sweets.

However, the tragic events followed that prompted his family and friends to begin the campaign to increase the awareness of food allergies in order to prevent such cases in others.

Okley was passionate about tennis, football, a jukeker and even running marathons, despite his asthma and allergy to nuts. His family described him as a “courageous and strong warrior,” struggling with these ailments.

On November 24, being in Mena, he decided to enjoy a piece of a pound pie, which was left on the kitchen table. His mother, Maryl Debbs, said that he always carefully read the composition of the products before eating anything, and this time he did not notice the instructions about the presence of nuts.

“He thought it was just a piece of pie,” his father said, Robert Debbs. “But after he ate it, he said that perhaps there were nuts.” The merrill tried the pie and confirmed the nutty, which was later identified as the taste of walnut.

“The merill gave him, as usual, the tablets from allergies (Benadril),” Robert added. “And then he said that he feels normally.” At that time, the only symptom was one urticaria on the lip.

However, quite soon after this, Okli began to complain about his chest pain, and then began to tear. Parents quickly called 911, but when the ambulance arrived, after 10 minutes the boy became blue. His respiratory tract closed, and his heart stopped fighting.

In a message published by Tyler Debbs Squire on Saturday, November 26, 2016, the family wrote on behalf of Robert J. Debbs, Merill Debbs and twin sisters Olivia: “This is with a heavy heart …”.

The family had to come to terms with this tragic loss and try to understand why it was not possible to save the ox.

“I do not think that my wonderful, amazing, talented and charming son was supposed to die,” Merril said.

In memory of the Okli, the family founded Red Sneaker Foundation, which is enlightened about signs of anaphylaxia – acute, life -threatening reaction, which affects several organs caused by allergens.

Okli loved his red sneakers very much, so the family decided to use them as a powerful symbol to increase the educational level and awareness among people with food allergies.

Experts recommend, even with mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, to immediately use the drug Epinephrine (adrenaline).

“My child was a real rock star, he was a good, good baby,” Merille said. “And I always knew that he would leave behind a trace in this world, although I did not expect that this would happen after his departure. It is the legacy of the ox that moves me. ”

Please share this story to increase the awareness of the dangers of food allergies and ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.