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.
People are curious what he saw in her, especially considering she is married to one of the most stunning actors in the world
Hollywood romance novels often follow familiar stereotypes: young couples flaunting their love on social media, actors engaging in secret affairs on set and facing rumors of infidelity, and mature men in their sixties or seventies publicly dating much younger women.
These tropes are widely accepted as the norm and not questioned. Many observers expected Pierce Brosnan to fit this mold, much like many of his industry peers.
But Brosnan defied these expectations with charm and confidence. Although he met the typical criteria, he challenged the prevailing assumptions with his own narrative.
For comparison, Pierce Brosnan has been married to Keely Shaye Smith for over twenty years and they have two children together. Recently, Keely has faced unfair criticism and unwarranted negativity. Yet Pierce has remained steadfast in his support and stood up for her despite the public criticism. His unwavering defense reflects his deep affection for his wife and shows that he values her beyond societal judgments.
Pierce met Keely in 1994 after his first wife, Cassandra Harris, died of ovarian cancer. Brosnan was devastated and faced with the challenges of single parenthood, but found comfort and strength in Keely’s support, which helped him cope with his responsibilities as a father.
In a touching tribute, Pierce celebrated their 20th anniversary with a heartfelt message and shared photos from their past and present to highlight their enduring love. Despite the couple’s positive public response, Keely’s appearance, particularly her weight, has been the subject of unwarranted criticism.
Pierce’s decision to marry Keely, who does not conform to conventional beauty standards, challenges outdated gender stereotypes. His love for her defies superficial beauty norms and reflects a deeper connection that goes beyond physical appearance.
Brosnan has publicly dismissed suggestions that Keely should undergo weight loss surgery, stressing his appreciation for her as a person and not just her looks. He has stated that his love for her has grown stronger over the years and that he values her role as a mother to their children.
In a world where older celebrities often partner with much younger partners, Pierce’s commitment to Keely is a testament to genuine affection. His devotion to her, despite public criticism, reinforces the idea that love is about more than simply adhering to societal expectations or physical attractions.
As people grow older, they realize that true attraction and commitment are based on emotional and intellectual bonds rather than fleeting ideals of beauty. Pierce’s unwavering support for Keely underscores the importance of appreciating a partner for who they are and maintaining a relationship based on respect and love.
Essentially, Pierce’s devotion to Keely illustrates that true love is about appreciating the essence of a partner rather than submitting to external constraints or superficial standards.
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