During Thanksgiving in Maine, 11-year-old Oakley Debbs, a bright student and athlete from West Palm Beach, Florida, tragically lost his life after unknowingly eating pound cake containing walnuts. Despite his asthma and nut allergies, Oakley excelled in sports and was known for his strength and resilience.
After taking a bite, Oakley suspected the cake had nuts. His mom gave him Benadryl, and he initially felt fine, showing only a small hive. But minutes later, he experienced chest pain and vomiting. By the time paramedics arrived, Oakley’s heart had stopped due to anaphylaxis.
In his memory, the Debbs family created the Red Sneakers Foundation, named after Oakley’s favorite shoes, to raise awareness about food allergies and promote the urgent use of epinephrine during allergic reactions.
“He was a rock star,” said his mother, Merrill. “I always knew he’d make a difference – I just didn’t think it would be after he passed.”