09/05/2025
This is truly Amazing ! Peoria police are now equipped to carry and administer Epinepherine ! Thank you Red Sneakers for Oakley, thank you Lindsey Spangler. DuPage County Sheriff's Office, Elmhurst Police Department and Peoria Police Department are all carrying EPI . EPI saves lives .
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EsZCbreBa/?mibextid=wwXIfr
This is big! 🎉 Our Illinois chapter, Red Sneakers Peoria has donated 200 epinephrine auto-injectors to the Peoria Police Department, equipping 100 Peoria police officers with life-saving tools to respond to allergic emergencies. Training was provided in partnership with the Peoria Fire Department so that officers are prepared to recognize and respond to anaphylaxis quickly and effectively.
Why does this matter? Because when it comes to anaphylaxis, minutes matter. Seconds matter.
Red Sneakers for Oakley was founded in memory of 11 year old Oakley Debbs, who tragically passed away from anaphylaxis after unknowingly eating a food containing nuts. He did not receive epinephrine until it was too late. Neither the first responders nor the EMTs carried epinephrine.
This initiative reflects the momentum of national change:
Annie LeGere’s Law – ensuring first responders in Illinois are trained and equipped to treat anaphylaxis. The Annie LeGere Foundation Inc.
Gio’s Law – introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 17, 2025, this critical legislation would provide federal funding for police departments nationwide to carry epinephrine and save lives in the field. The Love for Giovanni Foundation page
We’re proud to help Peoria lead the way in allergy safety and emergency readiness. Thank you to our incredible community, donors, and first responders for making this possible.
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Red Sneakers for Oakley is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization dedicated to saving lives by educating and advocating for food allergy awareness. RSFO was founded after 11-year-old Oakley Debbs tragically passed away from an anaphylactic allergic reaction to nuts in 2016.
