In a stark reminder of the dangers of food allergies, Patrick Mahomes and Brittany Matthews, both celebrated sports stars, experienced a parent’s worst nightmare last summer. Their son, Bronze, had an anaphylactic reaction after being introduced to peanuts, leading to an emergency room visit that confirmed a food allergy.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction to a food, drug, insect venom, or environmental substance like latex.
While Bronze is now safe, this incident echoes the tragic story of Oakley Debbs, an energetic 11-year-old whose life was cut short by anaphylaxis. Oakley’s passing ignited a movement in his name to heighten awareness about food allergies, a cause now championed by sports legend Eli Manning, offering a beacon of hope and a call for change amidst heartbreak.
The Debbs family’s world was irrevocably altered in 2016 during a Thanksgiving vacation in Maine. Oakley accidentally ingested cake containing nut resin, triggering anaphylactic shock, seizures, and cardiac arrest. Tragically, Oakley did not survive. In a tribute to their son, who favored his red sneakers, his parents, Merrill and Robert, established “Red Sneakers for Oakley,” an advocacy that aims to preserve his memory while advocating for greater understanding and preparedness regarding food allergies.
Former NY Giants Quarterback and NFL icon Eli Manning is a powerful voice keeping Oakley’s story and the cause alive. Every year, Manning actively promotes International Red Sneakers Day. This year, he continued his support by sharing a heartfelt video on Instagram. In it, he stated:
Hey everyone, today is International Red Sneakers Day, which honors Oakley Debbs, a former quarterback and soccer player who tragically passed away at the age of 11 from a nut allergy. Oakley loved his red sneakers. In his memory, and to raise global awareness for food allergies, I’m asking you to join me.
Here is his post:
Manning’s call to action is straightforward: he encourages people to wear their favorite red sneakers, share a photo or video online, and use the hashtags #RedSneakersForOakley and #InternationalRedSneakersDay. This simple act serves as a powerful method to disseminate information about the serious, yet often underestimated, threat of food allergies. Given that Eli was Oakley’s idol, his dedicated involvement lends profound significance to the movement, amplifying its reach and impact.
Food allergies are widespread, affecting the lives of millions of families beyond just Oakley’s and the Mahomes’. One in 13 children in the US is coping with a food allergy, particularly surprising for families like the Mahomes, who had no prior history of allergies. The discovery that common foods can pose a life-threatening risk to one’s child can be overwhelming, with studies indicating that anxiety is a significant challenge for parents in this situation. Initiatives like Red Sneakers for Oakley are crucial, not only honoring a young life lost but also raising vital awareness and providing families with necessary information and support.
Eli Manning’s commitment to philanthropy extends beyond food allergy awareness. He has consistently supported various causes, including cancer research and mental health awareness. The former New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion has been a staunch advocate for “Tackle Kids Cancer” since its inception in 2015 and more recently participated in the viral Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health. His impactful contributions both on and off the field were recognized in 2016 when he received the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Manning’s dedication is further exemplified by “Eli’s Challenge,” where he matches grassroots fundraising efforts for “Tackle Kids Cancer” up to $200,000 annually, and his participation in the NFL’s “My Cause My Cleats” initiative, underscoring his deep-seated commitment to making a difference.
