It was Thanksgiving in Maine when 11-year-old Oakley Debbs, a straight-A student from West Palm Beach, Florida, was enjoying a vacation with his family. Despite suffering from asthma and food allergies, Oakley was a star athlete who loved playing tennis, football, soccer, and even running marathons.
As part of the holiday celebration, Oakley’s family had ordered a Thanksgiving basket filled with treats. Oakley decided to try a piece of cake from the selection, a decision that would lead to a heartbreaking tragedy and inspire a movement to raise awareness about food allergies.
Oakley’s family described him as a “brave and strong warrior” in his battles against asthma and nut allergies. On November 24, he ate a piece of pound cake that had been left on the kitchen table where the family was staying. His mother, Merrill Debbs, explained that Oakley always checked food labels but found no indication of nuts in the cake.
“He thought it was just a piece of cake,” said his father, Robert Debbs. “But after he ate it, he came over and said it might have contained nuts.” Merrill tasted the cake and agreed, noticing a nutty flavor, which was later identified as walnut.
Following their usual procedure, Merrill gave Oakley Benadryl. At first, Oakley seemed fine, showing only a single hive on his lip. However, soon after, Oakley began complaining of chest pains and started vomiting. His parents immediately called 911, but when the ambulance arrived just 10 minutes later, Oakley had turned blue. His airways had closed, and his heart had stopped.
The devastating loss left the Debbs family grappling with grief and searching for answers. “I don’t think my beautiful, amazing, talented, adorable son should have passed away,” Merrill said.
In response to Oakley’s tragic death, the family founded the Red Sneakers Foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of food allergies and how to recognize anaphylaxis—a life-threatening allergic reaction. Oakley’s love for his red sneakers inspired the foundation’s name and symbol, with the family hoping to educate others and prevent similar tragedies.
Experts advise that even mild symptoms of an allergic reaction should be treated immediately with epinephrine to prevent escalation.
Merrill reflects on her son’s legacy with a heavy heart: “He was a rock star, a good, good kid. I always knew he would make a difference in this world—I just didn’t know it would be after he passed away. That’s what drives me, continuing Oakley’s legacy.”
Please share this story to raise awareness of the dangers of food allergies and help prevent such tragedies in the future.
