Unbelievable. Simply unbelievable that GA experienced two deaths of young men (one high school student and one college student) within ONE WEEK! I am hearing this message loud and clear: educate yourself, educate your child, educate your community and darn it, find a cure! Here are the details and story links to these two unimaginably tragic stories…and what I have selfishly learned from these tragic events:
Gina Clowes newsletter that discussed this tragic death
First, Lognaville, GA morns a young high school athlete from Gwinnette Central High School, Jharrell Dillard died from eating a cookie that had a peanut in it. He was unaware of the peanut and was not carrying an Epi Pen. After I read this devastating story, I said a prayer for his family and hoped that they could feel the love and support coming from the food allergy community. After wiping my tears, I became self centered and began to ask questions to myself: what can I do to avoid the pain that Jharrell’s family is going through right now? What can I do to keep my son and daughter safe. Yes, it rolled back to me and what could be learned. This death just can’t be in vain!
Here is an updated story with more details about Jharrell Dillard from the Allergymoms–I just received this story today: August 26th, 2011 PLUS…after searching and searching, I finally found where I saved Allergymoms.
She reached out to Brian Hom, who also lost his son to a food allergic reaction. Gina is a brilliant writer, advocate and coach regarding food allergies. I highly suggest you visit her website and sign up for her newsletters.
Then, only days later, another student in GA students dies from a food allergic reaction. This time, on campus after eating at the University’s Student Commons Culinary Center…
So, what can we learn? What did I learn?
- Carry an Epi Pen® and rescue medications at all times-no exceptions.
- Educate EVERYONE and don’t take risks.
- Let’s find a cure for Pete’s sake.
Most of all…treasure, respect and be grateful for each and every day!
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!..