UPDATE: Please see the updated links below as I am trying to keep a current list of the various news reports about this incredibly sad event. The words are just not there to describe the sadness and the enormous impact of this tragic event. Chesterfield County, VA first grader Ammaria Johnson, died at school yesterday possibly from a peanut allergic reaction.
photo courtesy of CBS6
Her mother possibly was told not to leave her Epi Pen® at school! The school is also pointing to policy that asks parents to provide all medications?!?! Just this conversation brings up quite a bit of discussion–which we’ll talk about next week. Not only are we heart broken, but now I’m feeling great frustration. Could this death had been avoided?
I’m sure you are thinking what I am thinking…
- Did she have a diagnosed peanut allergy?
- Was life saving epinephrine available?
- Were trained school staff available to help identify and administer the epinephrine?
- Did she eat the food knowingly taking a risk or was it a pure accident?
- Was it a cross contact issue?
I selfishly want to know these answers and now! It is hard to accept this tragedy and I am safe in saying that all our hearts broke today as we send healing thoughts, love and prayers to Ammaria’s family. I can’t imagine the pain her family is feeling right now. I’m just speechless…and that is a first for me. For now the moral of the story is that we all must stay diligent, stand up strong and loud, avoid risks, be prepared and most of all, be grateful for every single day.
Until we know more, here are some links to various news reports surfacing on the web…
- Updated story from NBC12 confirming peanut death: Police say peanut was girl’s cause of death
- UPDATED Information from CNN: Allergy kills Virginia girl at School
- UPDATED information from CBS6 in Chesterfield: Updated Story-Family: Child dies in school from peanut allergic reaction-Mother questions school’s actions
- Updated story From USA Today: Vigilance needed for food allergies–a doctor’s response to Ammaria Johnsons peanut allergy death
- UPDATED information from Mail Online (this is from England, but the story is well organized): Pupil, 7, who ‘loved’ school dies
- This story is less about what happened to Ammaria and more about how we can prevent this from happening again: Carlson: Deaths show schools need the power of Epi Pen
- From WTOP: Area Schools guard against student’s allergic reactions
image courtesy of Sambuiblue via freedigitalphotos.net
It is with a heavy and sad heart that I wish you a peaceful day-Caroline
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!..
my fear is dying from anaphylaxis… it’s not pleasant or pain-free. the good news is that in the wake of the child’s unfortunate death, many more children will be saved as the county & state revise their policies. i cannot imagine the immediate and long-term pain of the child’s mother, though.
AAPE & Caroline make it their mission to educate people about food allergies and asthma. from your strength and dedication, i draw strength. thank you for being there for us.
Judie, this is all of our nightmares! Watch for Friday’s post, I’m writing about how we can make change and what we can do! Stay safe.
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