Through tragedy a light shines bright with hope: this morning, Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed into law a bill that will require each Virginia school board to adopt and implement policy for schools to maintain and administer stock epinephrine. If you recall, Virginia first grader, Ammaria Johnson died last January from a food allergic reaction to a peanut accidentally eaten at school. Even though the paramedics arrived in less that five minutes, it was too late. She was gone.
This is life saving legislation and is part of a national trend to protect and save lives of children with food allergies and the un-diagnosed child who may have their first reaction at school. Bravely, her mother advocated for this bill with the hope of saving other children. Truly, I think I would be licking the walls in a rubber room four months after I lost a child. She is a pretty amazing mom to be out there working on keeping our kids safe during this time of grieving.
Even though our hearts remain broken over a food allergy death and for Ammaria’s family…
Today, I pray for Ammaria that she understands what gift she has given other children.
Today, I pray that her mother finds some sort of peace.
Today, I am grateful that the trend continues, state by state, in adopting school access to life saving epinephrine.
Today, I am grateful for those who understand and fight the good fight.
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One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
[…] sure Luis Rodriguez and his family are celebrating life today with full gratitude. I’m sure Ammaria Johnson’s mother is still sad and grieving the loss of her daughter, but I hope today she finds some peace […]