It was Thanksgiving in Maine, and 11-year-old Oakley Debbs was on vacation with his family. Oakley, a top student from West Palm Beach, Florida, was also a star athlete, even though he had asthma and food allergies.
For the holiday, his family had ordered a Thanksgiving basket full of treats. Oakley chose to have a piece of cake from the basket.
Tragically, something went wrong after he ate the cake, leading to a heartbreaking event. His family and friends are now working to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
Despite his asthma and nut allergies, Oakley loved playing tennis, football, soccer, and even running marathons. His family remembers him as a “brave and strong warrior” who fought hard against his conditions.
On November 24, Oakley Debbs, an 11-year-old, had a piece of pound cake that was left on the kitchen table where his family was staying in Maine. His mom, Merrill Debbs, said Oakley always checked labels to avoid nuts and didn’t see any warnings.
“He thought it was just a piece of cake,” his dad, Robert Debbs, explained. “But after he ate it, he mentioned it might have nuts.” Merrill agreed the cake had a nutty taste, which turned out to be walnut.
Merrill gave Oakley Benadryl, as they usually did for allergic reactions, and he said he felt fine. At that point, he only had a small hive on his lip.
But soon after, Oakley complained of chest pain and started vomiting. His parents called 911, but by the time the ambulance arrived ten minutes later, Oakley was blue. His airway had closed, and his heart had stopped.
I’m writing on behalf of Robert J. Debbs, Merrill Debbs, and Oakley’s twin sister, Olivia. It is with a heavy heart that I…
Posted by Tyler Debbs Squire on Saturday, November 26, 2016
The family struggled to accept Oakley’s tragic death and understand why he couldn’t be saved.
“I don’t think my beautiful, amazing son should have passed away,” Merrill said.
In response, the family started the Red Sneaker Foundation to teach people about anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. They chose red sneakers as a symbol because Oakley loved them, hoping to increase awareness about food allergies.
Posted by Red Sneakers For Oakley on Thursday, December 1, 2016
Experts recommend using epinephrine for even mild allergic reactions. Merrill said, “Oakley was a rock star, a good kid. I always knew he’d make a difference—just not after he passed away. That’s a big part of why we’re doing this.”
Please share this story to help raise awareness about food allergies and prevent future tragedies.
Bus driver found dogs freezing in thunderstorm, breaks rules and puts them on bus
Many people are afraid of cold weather and what it brings, let alone animals. Some animals live a beautiful life. They have owners, a home, food and everything they need. On the other hand, there are those animals that suffer. They spend every day fighting for survival. In addition to being able to remain traumatized after terrible storms and thunderstorms, it can also physically affect them.
Fortunately for these dogs, the bus driver has a big heart. In Buenos Aires, this story happened. The bus driver, regardless of the rules that were set for him, opened the door and let the dogs inside. He did that so they would not freeze. He gave them something they never had, security and warmth.
This event, very touching for all of us, happened when the bus driver took pity on two wet dogs, which were shaking abnormally due to bad weather. Although he subconsciously had all the rules related to his job, including that the city does not allow dogs and other animals to be brought into their transports, the bus driver decided to take this step.
He consciously risked his job and everything he has, to help the dogs feel nice and happy at least for a moment. Man thinks in a way that it is worth losing a job for two living beings. It cannot be compared in any way.
As is obvious, the passengers noticed all this and recorded it on their mobile phones. Pictures and footage were quickly shared on social media, and other people were asked to find homes for these dogs, if they could. Many people witnessed the kindness and kindness of the man who drove the bus, so he has a clear conscience.
Due to the fact that the pictures and footage were shared incredibly fast, so did the gentlemen of this gentleman. A statement from the city confirming that they do not want animals in public transport has been confirmed. But this time they made an exception and did not punish the man for his kindness.
A work not seen every day. Given that you, too, have now witnessed this amazing endeavor of bus drivers, we would be glad if you would send this to all dog lovers you know.
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