ICYMI: 19-Year-Old Wisconsin College Freshman Tragically Dies After Peanut Allergy Reaction
A simple treat turns deadly for a Wisconsin college student with a peanut allergy, leading to a heart-wrenching decision that saves multiple lives. 🌐 #News #WatertownWI #Wisconsin #Accident
WATERTOWN, WI – A tragic incident unfolded at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin, when 19-year-old freshman Hannah Glass passed away after suffering a severe allergic reaction to a gluten-free brownie. The treat, which was intended for students with gluten sensitivities, contained roasted peanut flour. Unaware of this ingredient, Hannah’s reaction led to anaphylactic shock, a devastating turn of events for her family.
Despite their grief, they made the selfless decision to donate her organs, giving new hope to others in critical need. As the community navigates the depths of grief, we are reminded of the words from Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
A Deadly Allergy and a Gluten-Free Treat
On November 5, Hannah ate a gluten-free brownie that unexpectedly triggered her severe peanut allergy. She had experienced similar reactions in the past, but this time, the addition of roasted peanut flour—a different form of peanuts than she had encountered before—made the situation more dangerous.
After eating the brownie, Hannah immediately felt unwell, experiencing hives and vomiting. She quickly called her parents, who were familiar with her allergic reactions, and they were alerted to the severity of the situation.
Despite taking Benadryl and trying to rest, her condition worsened. Hannah soon began to experience shortness of breath and intense discomfort, which escalated to a collapsed lung. Her family, urgently notified, rushed to her side at the university.
The Struggle to Save Her
Once they arrived, Hannah’s condition had already deteriorated significantly. Her parents administered her EpiPen and called 911 for immediate help. First responders arrived and began life-saving efforts as Hannah’s condition worsened. Her family described the helplessness they felt, watching as her situation grew more critical. During the ambulance ride to the hospital, Hannah suffered seizures and her heart stopped for several minutes.
At the hospital, doctors confirmed that Hannah’s brain had suffered severe swelling due to the reaction, and it was clear that the damage was irreversible. The family was forced to make the devastating decision to take her off life support, knowing that her chances of recovery were nonexistent.
The Gift of Life
In the midst of their unimaginable grief, the Glass family made the courageous decision to donate Hannah’s organs. On November 10, an emotional Honor Walk was held at Froedtert Hospital, where friends, family, and hospital staff gathered to honor Hannah as she was wheeled into surgery to donate her organs. Her decision gave new life to four individuals, an act that brought some comfort to her family amidst their sorrow.
Though deeply heartbroken, Hannah’s parents expressed that they hoped their decision could help others avoid the pain they had experienced. They found solace in the fact that their daughter’s death could provide life to others in need.
Through their incredible loss, the Glass family’s act of organ donation has allowed Hannah’s spirit to continue living on in others, impacting lives in ways that will never be forgotten.
In reflecting on their pain and the lives saved, they found strength in their faith and the knowledge that their daughter’s legacy would continue. As the Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:4, “He comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
The Glass family has found a way to comfort others in their greatest time of need, honoring their daughter’s life and love.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents | Wisconsin
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