There are just no words proper enough to express the gravity of this tragedy due to a life threatening food allergic reaction that took this seven year old boy from his family on Halloween night. In an incredibly giving moment, his family donated his organs. There are always many questions we want to ask…did he accidentally eat a known allergen? Was in cross contact or accidental ingestion? Was there delay in giving life saving epinephrine? We ask since our fears rise up quickly when we read about these tragedies as we try to learn what went wrong so that we don’t repeat this situation. I’ve pulled together a few news stories below. It appears that little Joseph also had asthma and was possibly experiencing asthma symptoms earlier that day and was given a dose of EpiPen®. Asthma increases the severity of allergic reactions and is another strong reason for keeping asthma as under control as possible.
- “Joseph Nicola, 7 dies after suffering an apparent allergic reaction on Halloween”.
- “Father devastated as he goes from Halloween fun with Joseph Nicola to planning a funeral”.
This horrible food allergy death reflects how powerful of a monster this disease can be. I just don’t know how to educate others to take life threatening food allergies more seriously. This has been on my mind quite a bit lately and today’s blog post was going to be exploring why we (schools, other parents, family, etc) are still struggling regarding life threatening food allergies.
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!..
It’s a devastating blow to the community. I get physically ill every time I hear one of these stories…which is way too frequently. It’s a reminder that our work is not done. We cannot stop educating and advocating until these stories are a thing of the past. In the memory of Joseph and the many others we have lost to anaphylaxis, I promise to devote my time to doing whatever I can. My prayers are with this family.
Gina, I agree. My stomach drops and it’s just horrible. This is the exact reason why we must educate ourselves, those around us and our nation. Whenever I am doing something that involves advocating or educating, I say a prayer for those who have been lost and remind myself I am doing this for them, to use their story to save lives. May Joseph’s memory be eternal.
Horrible horrible horrible. This is our nightmare, all of us, every single day. When I read this, I was instantly just filled with such grief, not only for the loss of this little boy and the absolute horror that his family is going through, but that it could so easily have been mine. Any of ours. I have such a heavy heart.
Marla, That is what makes this so difficult to read about–it could be our story, right? I can’t even imagine what his family is going through right now. Unthinkable.
I knew you would share this as soon as I read the story. So sad. It sounds like his father did everything that he knew to do and then some. Just tragic. I don’t know how we can educate people more after they see stories like this. If this doesn’t move them to learn, nothing will.
Hi Julie, Thanks, I try to share things that happen in our community and that are important and with hopefully a few links so folks can discover more information. You would think that a tragedy like this would gather attention and open up some eyes. Right?
Agreed. So sad…
This piece has touched my soul–My heart aches while writing this—as a mom of a 3 year old with Multiple food allergies + asthma..this hits home. I know personally many people that do not take food allergy serious enough. The loss of such a young angel is devastating news. We can not educate enough the importance of knowledge when it pertains to food allergy awareness. May Joseph always be remembered as the Hero he was having to live everyday with food allergies. He will be a little hero missed and remembered by many close and afar! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
These stories just blow me right out of the water. It’s just devastating! I hope we all keep little Joseph in our hearts and actions as we move forward. Thanks for joining the conversation Monika
Thank you Caroline for bringing to the front line these stories that pull at the heart. I know for one, these stories are not what I want to read or hear of, but this is the reality of things that we must face together. The old saying-Knowledge is power is the truth. Many people just don’t want to see the severity of food allergies. It is a very scary life to lead, but one that can be done with knowledge and awareness. I fell upon your site not too long ago and love how you write..your opinions and knowledge on things. Thank you Caroline-for being the voice of many of us —for bringing to light these stories….happy or sad. I appreciate reading your heart felt messages. May heart aches for this family more than words can say.