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.
A Sick Dog Dumped In Freezing Weather Who Kept Crawling And Trying To Keep Warm
No pup should ever know how heartbreaking it feels to be betrayed by their owners and to be left at the mercy of the streets.
Unfortunately, it’s a sad reality for many dogs.
Pick was one of the canines who ended up on the streets, feeling rejected and unloved. Heartless people dumped him at a local market in the freezing weather.
Trembling with cold, he crawled and tried to find a warm shelter.
Every time he saw people walking past him, he looked at them with his sad eyes as if he was begging them to help him.
Sadly, the passers-by failed to find compassion in their hearts and come to his aid.
After realizing that the people ignored him because he was sick, the pup started losing hope.
Little did he know that his life would soon change in ways he couldn’t even imagine.
Helping The Little Pup
A kind woman who visited the local market noticed the abandoned pup.
Her heart sank when she saw the terrible state he was in. The dog’s eyes were filled with hopelessness and sorrow. He had no fur on his wrinkled skin.
The compassionate human lifted the little canine from the cold concrete and he hid in her shopping bag. He felt scared.
The woman took him home and gave him a bath, hoping that he would feel better.
She drove the pup to the vet for a thorough medical examination.
He was diagnosed with a severe skin disease, and he needed to be quarantined.
The dog’s legs were deformed. The vet reassured the rescuer that the pup would make a full recovery as soon as he got enough calcium.
The Dog Begins Fighting For His Recovery
The good woman brought the little canine home. She and her family showered him with a lot of love and positive affirmations.
She decided to name him Pick and give him a forever home.
The dog felt grateful to his new mom for giving him a second chance at life.
Pick felt determined to fully recover. His skin was itchy, but he never complained. His mom’s love gave him the strength to keep on fighting.
She often took him outside so that he could get natural calcium.
Pick made an effort to walk again. He often stumbled, but he refused to give up.
Little by little, he started feeling better.
Two weeks after his rescue, Pick regained his strength. He started running and smiling more.
He brought a lot of happiness to his mom. Every time she returned home from work, Pick welcomed her, wagging his tail.
His legs recovered completely.
Pick Turns Into A Healthy And Handsome Pup
A month and a half later, the dog’s fur grew back. Pick became a handsome pup. He felt confident and happy, and his eyes shone brighter than ever.
His mom took him swimming for the first time in his life. Pick enjoyed it, and he couldn’t stop smiling.
Pick lives the life of his dreams with his mom, who loves him infinitely.
He went from an unwanted and sick pup whom everyone ignored to a healthy and happy pup.
Many thanks to his incredible mom for showing compassion to Pick when nobody else wanted to help him and for giving him all her love.
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