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CEDAR PARK, Texas (KXAN) – A Cedar Park couple raise awareness of the dangers of food allergies in children after their 21-month-old son’s near fatal allergy attack – and thanks to the generosity of the Austin community, pays.
Logan Caldwell is less than two years old, but already has more food allergies than most in her lifetime. His diagnosed allergies include wheat, egg, and all nuts, coupled with respiratory problems caused by asthma.
After eating a corn tortilla that unwittingly contained wheat, Logan suffered anaphylactic shock and cardiac arrest in late July, parents Cameron and Rebecca Caldwell said. He spent a total of five days in the hospital, including time intubated and on a ventilator.
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“[Rebecca] gave him the epi-pen and that seemed to have little to no response, “said Cameron.” When I walked in [to the hospital], I think they gave him a total of five Epi-Pens and it didn’t work. It just got worse and worse and worse. “
After his five-day stay, Logan made a full recovery and suffered no long-term brain or heart damage from the anaphylactic shock and cardiac arrest. But the Caldwells said the experience opened their eyes to the severity of food allergies and the dangers they pose in young children.
Both Rebecca and Cameron review all of the ingredients in Logan’s meals and snacks, and do research online for ingredients that look unfamiliar or that they hesitate about. They’re also looking for allergen-friendly alternatives for Logan to enjoy at birthday parties, daycare, or other situations where he eats with others so he doesn’t feel left out.
“It is definitely a learning process for everyone. I know my family wants to get CPR certification now just because Logan went through what is great, ”said Rebecca. “We gave them our education so they could study and not be afraid to use an epi-pen, and I think everyone – I think they have to honestly teach it in school. Because you never know when you might be the one to save someone’s life. “
After leaving the hospital, the Caldwells received more good news: nearly $ 34,000 in donations raised by friends and loved ones to help cover Logan’s medical bills.
Founded by family friends Jonathan and Kasey LaBorde, more than 600 people donated to the cause. Cameron and Jonathan work together at the Austin Police Department, with Jonathan showing up at the hospital immediately after Logan’s allergy attack to be there for the Caldwells.
“Just trust your instinct, research, learn, train yourself and also for others.”
Rebecca Caldwell, mom
“It was incredibly humiliating to know that in your moment of need there are people you might not even know,” said Cameron. “You may not even realize it, you just go through life and you think, you know, you don’t think you are that important or whatever. But it is incredibly humble to see how many people support you out of nowhere. “
The costs for allergy sufferers, Epi-Pens and visits to the doctor add up quickly. Rebecca and Cameron said that when people in the Austin ward eased the burden, the traumatizing experience was all the more bearable.
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“It was just people, friends, family, co-workers, people we didn’t even know, you know, it was just very humiliating because we just didn’t expect it,” said Rebecca. “I really think that’s why he didn’t stay in the hospital that long, you know? It’s just all the support and all the prayers. “
For parents who are wondering whether their child has a food allergy, the Caldwells recommend always seeing a specialist and getting a second opinion if necessary. The Food Allergy Research & Education website also provides resources on changes to the company’s food products, training on how to use Epi-Pens, and contingency plans.
“Just trust your instincts, research, learn, train yourself and also for others,” said Rebecca.
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