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.
Hollywood icon Jodie Foster is now over 60 and she looks completely different now
From the dawn of her exposure to the spotlight, which dawned upon her at the tender age of 3, this exceptionally talented actress embarked on a journey towards fame that few could match.
By the time she crossed the threshold into 14, she had already engraved her name in the annals of Hollywood with an Oscar nomination, marking the promising start of what would blossom into a remarkable career. Yet, as time unfurled its tapestry, one can’t help but wonder: what is her life like today?
Admired for her esteemed position as one of the privileged few to boast multiple Oscar nominations, her mere mention conjures images of cinematic brilliance and triumph at the box office.
Blessed with a filmography adorned with iconic roles in some of the most cherished and unforgettable productions, her mere involvement in a project virtually assures its potential as a blockbuster, enthralling audiences and critics alike with her unparalleled skill and mesmerizing performances.
What truly distinguishes her is her exceptional versatility as an actress, evident in her ability to seamlessly inhabit a diverse array of characters, each infused with richness, intricacy, and authenticity.
Despite not fitting into the mold of conventional beauty standards, there is an undeniable allure and magnetic charm in her unique appearance, a quality that continues to enchant and resonate with viewers worldwide.
Yet, in a marked departure, her recent pursuits have witnessed a shift away from the luminance of the silver screen, opting instead to delve into and express her creative prowess behind the lens.
Venturing into the realms of directing and producing, she persists in making a lasting impact on the landscape of the industry, molding narratives and animating tales with her distinctive perspective and wisdom.
Perhaps emblematic of her steadfast dedication to her artistry, the revered figure has embraced a more muted and understated demeanor in her personal style and presentation.
Celebrating the elegance of embracing age gracefully, she confidently displays her natural gray hair and shuns the conventions of heavy makeup, choosing instead a refreshingly natural aesthetic, often paired with relaxed and unpretentious attire.
However, amidst her journey in the industry and personal preferences, one can’t help but reminisce: what are some of the standout films that showcase the remarkable talent and unforgettable presence of Jodie Foster?
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