Eleven-year-old Denise Saldate had been seeing an allergist ever since she was 1 year old. She and her family members quickly learned the importance of checking and rechecking labels on every single product
According to Food Allergy Research & Education: "Researchers estimate that 32 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.6 million children under age 18. That's one in 13 children, or roughly two in every classroom. About 40 percent of children with food allergies are allergic to more than one food." On April 4, 2019, Denise brushed her teeth alongside her older sister like it was just another ordinary day. But within minutes, the sixth grader started crying and ran into her mom Monique's bedroom. "I think I'm having an allergic reaction," Denise cried. Her lips were turning blue. More from LittleThings: Siblings, 10 And 11, Steal Mom's Car And Drive 200 Miles After She Takes Their Electronics "I picked her up and put her on my bed," Monique told Allergic Living. "I ran to the living room, told my daughter 'Call 911,' and I grabbed the EpiPen." Denise was experiencing a severe allergic reaction, and nothing was making it stop — not the EpiPen, not her inhaler, and not CPR. Allergists say that what happened to Denise is very rare. In fact, some say they've never seen a case like this before. Still, Denise's story has resonated with thousands of people on social media. The GoFundMe page set up for Denise's funeral costs surpassed its goals, and Monique is now urging parents to read every single word on every single prescription. Watch the video to see the what, why, and how behind the unexpected source of Denise's tragic passing.
