It was Thanksgiving in Maine, and 11-year-old Oakley Debbs was on vacation with his family. Oakley, a top student from West Palm Beach, Florida, was also a star athlete, even though he had asthma and food allergies.
For the holiday, his family had ordered a Thanksgiving basket full of treats. Oakley chose to have a piece of cake from the basket.
Tragically, something went wrong after he ate the cake, leading to a heartbreaking event. His family and friends are now working to raise awareness and prevent similar incidents from happening to others.
Despite his asthma and nut allergies, Oakley loved playing tennis, football, soccer, and even running marathons. His family remembers him as a “brave and strong warrior” who fought hard against his conditions.
On November 24, Oakley Debbs, an 11-year-old, had a piece of pound cake that was left on the kitchen table where his family was staying in Maine. His mom, Merrill Debbs, said Oakley always checked labels to avoid nuts and didn’t see any warnings.
“He thought it was just a piece of cake,” his dad, Robert Debbs, explained. “But after he ate it, he mentioned it might have nuts.” Merrill agreed the cake had a nutty taste, which turned out to be walnut.
Merrill gave Oakley Benadryl, as they usually did for allergic reactions, and he said he felt fine. At that point, he only had a small hive on his lip.
But soon after, Oakley complained of chest pain and started vomiting. His parents called 911, but by the time the ambulance arrived ten minutes later, Oakley was blue. His airway had closed, and his heart had stopped.
I’m writing on behalf of Robert J. Debbs, Merrill Debbs, and Oakley’s twin sister, Olivia. It is with a heavy heart that I…
Posted by Tyler Debbs Squire on Saturday, November 26, 2016
The family struggled to accept Oakley’s tragic death and understand why he couldn’t be saved.
“I don’t think my beautiful, amazing son should have passed away,” Merrill said.
In response, the family started the Red Sneaker Foundation to teach people about anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. They chose red sneakers as a symbol because Oakley loved them, hoping to increase awareness about food allergies.
Posted by Red Sneakers For Oakley on Thursday, December 1, 2016
Experts recommend using epinephrine for even mild allergic reactions. Merrill said, “Oakley was a rock star, a good kid. I always knew he’d make a difference—just not after he passed away. That’s a big part of why we’re doing this.”
Please share this story to help raise awareness about food allergies and prevent future tragedies.
“What Happened?” Sharon Osbourne, 71, Shocks Fans in Latest Appearance
In a recent public appearance, Sharon Osbourne left fans stunned with a dramatic transformation that sparked widespread speculation. The television personality, known for her candid and fiery persona, stepped out looking almost unrecognizable, prompting a wave of reactions across social media.
Sharon Osbourne made a surprise appearance at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where she delighted fans by recreating one of the most iconic auditions from her time on The X Factor. A fan at the concert asked Sharon to mimic Rachel Lester’s infamous audition, where the singer boldly declared she was “10/10” and “better than Madonna.”
Sharon, known for her sharp wit, obliged, creating a moment that quickly went viral. However, while the reenactment sparked laughter, it was Sharon’s appearance in the clip that left many fans in shock.
Social media quickly erupted with comments about Sharon’s transformed look, with many barely recognizing her. “Did she get fillers?” one fan asked, while others expressed confusion, asking, “Who is she?” and “What happened to her face?”
The reaction highlighted just how drastically Sharon’s appearance has changed, with some fans even questioning, “You’re joking that’s Sharon 😳” and “Sharon, what happened??” The discussion around her look overshadowed what might have otherwise been a lighthearted moment.
Despite the focus on her appearance, Sharon’s true fans couldn’t help but celebrate the throwback moment. “Sharon Osbourne recreating The X Factor Rachel audition at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is a fun throwback moment—what a way to mix iconic moments in music and entertainment!” one fan exclaimed, while another marveled, “Does she know how iconic this is?!”
For those who have followed Sharon’s career, this blend of nostalgia and humor was a reminder of why she remains a beloved figure in pop culture.
Fans are buzzing after Blake Lively stepped out with her co-star for the premiere of their new movie, sparking a wave of comments about how the two actresses look nearly “identical.” From their outfits to their strikingly similar features, people can’t stop pointing out one particular detail that makes them look like twins.
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