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.
Sally Field, 76, was considered ‘ugly’ after choosing to age naturally – She discovered joy in being a grandmother to 5 children and living in an ocean-view house
Keeping up with the Hollywood glam sometimes means defying age with the help of procedures and plastic surgeries. It’s not a secret that many celebrities opt to go under the knife for the sake of the good and youthful looks and the opportunities that looks brings.
However, not everyone who is part of the film industry is willing to follow this trend, and actress Sally Field is one of them.
Having been part of films such as Smokey and the Bandit, Norma Rae, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Forrest Gump, and having received plenty of awards for her acting, including Two Academy Awards, two BAFTA Film Award nominations, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two SAG Awards, and most recently the Life Achievement Award, it’s safe to say Field has a career she can brag about.
Regardless of her age, 76, she still looks as stunning as ever and accepts her natural appearance. During her speech for the SAG Achievement Award she wore a magnificent black gown and embraced her naturally grey hair.
“I felt guarded, reserved, and out of the spotlight. But I was never sure what I’d say or do on stage. I would astonish myself,” the actress said. “I wasn’t hoping for praise or attention, though it’s excellent.”
She continued: “Acting has always been about preserving those priceless moments when I feel whole, thoroughly, and occasionally dangerously alive. Finding a path there has always been a challenge.
“They allowed me to open up and let me know things about myself that I never would have known otherwise. I’ve been working all my life. She continued for almost 60 years; there hasn’t been a day when I haven’t been genuinely happy to identify as an actor.”
Back in 2016, she was asked how she felt about playing an elderly, eccentric woman, Doris Miller.
“It’s okay that I’m an old woman; 70 is old. My years have given me strength; I have earned the right to have them, and I have owned them. And even if I dislike my neck and many other things, it’s alright,” Field told NPR.
And when it comes the natural process of aging, Field opts to stay true to herself despite the fact that the fight against ageism in Hollywood is a real one. “’Oh, I wish that weren’t happening to my neck,’ I think when I watch myself on television. Additionally, your eyes are bulging, and your face is collapsing. Then, though, I come across some of the women (who have undergone plastic surgery) who I once thought were stunning. Oh no, I’m feeling right now. Avoid doing it! And that would seem disrespectful to who they are right now,” she once said.
Field was married two times and went through two divorces. In 1986, she married Steven Craig with whom she welcomed two sons. The couple untied the knot in 1975.
She then dated Burt Reynolds before she married film producer Alan Greisman. Field and Greisman share a son together.
Eventually, she decided to commit all her time to her career but it was when she became a grandmother that her life took on a new dimension.
She embraced the new role and loves spending time with her grandchildren at her wonderful beach house with ocean views.
We love Sally Field.
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