Michiana Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Support

Prayers to his family.

Trigger warning: Sadly, we report on the passing of Liam Gartland, 8, who has died of anaphylaxis to a Dairy Queen frozen bar. The Ontario boy was apparently handed a dairy treat in error, rather than the vegan (dairy-free, egg-free) treat his mom ordered.

His mom says he began reacting almost right away. Say a prayer for sweet Liam as you read his story here: https://www.allergicliving.com/2026/06/01/boy-8-dies-of-severe-allergic-reaction-to-frozen-dairy-treat/

Note: Appreciate if everyone will be respectful in their comments. The mom and dad have just lost this little boy. Reminders about food allergy protocols are fine but please, let's not sit in judgment.

Cross-Contact Suspected After Teen’s Fatal Ice Cream Reaction - SnackSafely.com Italian authorities are investigating whether cross-contact caused a 16-year-old’s fatal allergic reaction after eating dairy-free gelato.

I always thought anaphylaxis would be obvious.
That it would look dramatic and immediate every single time.

But the reality is that everyone reacts differently and each reaction can show differently.

Sometimes it’s quiet.
Sometimes it starts with tiredness, anxiety, tummy pain, throat discomfort or just “not seeming right.”

That’s what makes anaphylaxis so scary, the signs can be easy to miss, especially in children.

The more we talk about the less obvious symptoms, the more lives we can help protect ❤️

Trust your instincts.
If something feels wrong after exposure to an allergen, act fast and seek emergency medical help.

Please share in the comments any other signs to look out for and if you have experienced any of these.

📚 Sources: Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic & MedlinePlus

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, I’m simply sharing my experiences and what I’m learning while navigating life with food allergies. Always consult your doctor or allergy specialist for medical advice.

Billy Bob Thornton recently opened up about living with lifelong food allergies and dietary restrictions—sharing that he’s allergic to foods including wheat, dairy, and shellfish and spent much of his life assuming it was “normal” to feel sick after eating.

For many in the food allergy community, that experience feels deeply familiar.

Food allergy is a serious disease affecting more than 33 million Americans, yet misconceptions and lack of awareness still leave many people feeling misunderstood or dismissed.

When public figures speak openly about their experiences living with food allergies and restricted diets, it helps shine a light on the daily realities so many individuals and families navigate every day.

Sharing these stories matters. Awareness leads to understanding, and understanding helps create a safer, more supportive world for the food allergy community.

Eli Manning Honors Oakley Debbs with Food Allergy Awareness Campaign - SnackSafely.com Eli Manning commemorates Oakley Debbs and raises food allergy awareness.

Parents Turn Son's Tragedy Into Advocacy, Meet with Legislators to Promote Epinephrine Law Parents are working to ensure that first responders are equipped with epinephrine to handle life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Love Thee, Notre Dame! Outstanding research right here in our community!

From reaction to resolution: The future of allergy treatment How a child’s simple request led to an extraordinary breakthrough in peanut allergy treatment