Even though Marcus Terranova’s passed away almost two years ago, may his memory be eternal and we all do what his grieving father asks. The Sidney Morning Herald reported on August 30th, 2015, “Schoolboy treated for asthma died of anaphylatic reaction prompts call for allergy rethink”. RETHINK is an under-statement and should be our new mantra. I’m serious.
One look at Marcus’ face and you’ll want to cry. He was so alive and vibrant. He had food allergies and asthma. When at school, it was thought he was experiencing an asthma attack. When his inhaler did not work, emergency personal were summoned along with his father. After his passing and an investigation, it was learned that he died from an anaphylatic reaction. At the time of death, it was not known to his parents that Marcus was at high risk for a severe allergic reaction.
RETHINK. Marcus’ father, John, explains in the article that had he taken his son to the doctor before school started, he would have understood the severity of the allergy. Marcus could have been carrying life saving epinephrine. Marcus’ dad is urging parents to take their children in for evaluation annually. He is also calling up schools and child care providers to be trained on the management of allergy and anaphylaxis. He is working to keep your child and mine safe. Thank you Mr. Terranova.
Lessons. Every time I read heart breaking stories like this, I try to remember that these lost lives are very important and special. We must never forget. Their story is our story to tell when we advocate and educate others. Marcus’ story is powerful.
Request to you. I am asking each of you to stop for a moment right now and recall the last time you took your child in to have their food allergies and/or asthma evaluated by a board certified allergist. There are many fine physicians out there, but going to a specialist, like an allergist, is key. Could your child have developed a new allergy or asthma? Possibly they are growing and it is time to upgrade to the adult epinephrine auto-injector dose? Don’t guess, just make that appointment.
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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!..
All very good points as we head back to the old grindstone of school. Part of our diligence and vigilance is yearly monitoring, at minimum. Keeping those lines of communication going with doctors, schools, coaches, etc. is imperative to our children staying safe, happy and included.
Thanks for the reminder Caroline!
True Kristin,
We must always pause to re-evaluate. Marcus’ father makes excellent sense!
I couldn’t agree more! Think and rethink.
Colette–exactly, stop and rethink. What worked in the past may not work today!
But oh the protests when we at the allergy office tell folks that they need to come on and be re-evaluated.
Ann,
We just have to get these folks to learn, that the re-evaluation is for them! I can just image what you hear!
Thank you for the reminders, Caroline! Information changes and so do bodies. Regular check-ins are important.
Especially during puberty! Okay, and especially during peri-menopause–when I developed asthma!