Thanksgiving in Maine was supposed to be a time of joy for 11-year-old Oakley Debbs and his family. A bright, athletic boy from West Palm Beach, Florida, Oakley excelled at everything he set his mind to—school, sports, and even running marathons. Despite living with asthma and food allergies, he tackled life with courage and an unstoppable spirit.
The holiday celebration included a festive basket filled with treats. Among them was a pound cake that looked harmless. But for Oakley, that slice of cake would mark the beginning of a devastating turn of events—and the start of a life-saving mission.
Oakley’s parents, Merrill and Robert Debbs, described their son as a “brave and strong warrior.” He always took care to check food labels, knowing how dangerous his nut allergy could be. But this time, there were no clear warnings. After tasting the cake, Oakley told his dad, “I think this has nuts in it.” Merrill took a bite and immediately recognized the nutty flavor—walnut.
Following their usual protocol, Merrill gave Oakley Benadryl. At first, it seemed to work. He had only one small hive on his lip, and his parents hoped the reaction would remain mild. But within minutes, Oakley’s condition took a terrifying turn. He complained of chest pain, began vomiting, and quickly spiraled into anaphylaxis.
The family called 911, but by the time the ambulance arrived, Oakley’s body had already shut down. His airways had closed, and his heart had stopped. His father held him in his arms as the unimaginable unfolded.
Oakley’s passing left his family shattered. “I don’t think my beautiful, amazing, talented son should have died,” Merrill said through tears. But even in their grief, the Debbs family resolved to ensure Oakley’s legacy would save others.
Inspired by Oakley’s favorite red sneakers, they launched the Red Sneakers Foundation. The organization spreads awareness about food allergies, educates the public about recognizing anaphylaxis, and advocates for the immediate use of epinephrine in allergic reactions—no matter how minor they may seem.
“Even if it’s just a hive or an itch, don’t wait,” Merrill urges. “Oakley’s story proves how quickly things can change.”
Through their heartbreak, the Debbs family holds on to their son’s memory. “He was a rock star, a good, good kid,” Merrill said. “I always knew Oakley would make a difference in this world—I just didn’t expect it to happen like this.”
As the Red Sneakers Foundation grows, Oakley’s legacy lives on, inspiring families worldwide to take food allergies seriously and protect their loved ones.
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