A Wisconsin college student with a peanut allergy makes a heartbreaking decision that saves many lives as a simple treat turns deadly.#Wisconsin #WatertownWI #News #Accident
WATERTOWN, WIA Hannah Glass, a 19-year-old freshman at Maranatha Baptist University in Watertown, Wisconsin, died after having a severe allergic reaction to a gluten-free brownie. Roasted peanut flour was used in the treat, which was designed for students with gluten sensitivity. Hannah was unaware of this component, and her reaction resulted in anaphylactic shock, which devastated her family.
Their noble choice to give her organs, in spite of their anguish, gave others in dire need new hope. 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,” as the community struggles through the depths of loss.
A Deadly Allergy and a Gluten-Free Treat
After eating a gluten-free brownie on November 5, Hannah’s severe peanut allergy suddenly flared up. She had previously experienced similar reactions, but this time the scenario became more dangerous due to the inclusion of roasted peanut flour, which is a different type of peanut than what she had previously faced.
Hannah became ill right away after eating the brownie, breaking out in hives and throwing up. Her parents, who were aware of her allergic reactions, were promptly notified of the seriousness of the situation by her phone call.
She tried to rest and took Benadryl, but her condition deteriorated. Hannah quickly started having severe discomfort and shortness of breath, which eventually led to a collapsed lung. After receiving an urgent notification, her family hurried to the university to be by her side.
The Struggle to Save Her
Hannah’s condition had already substantially worsened by the time they got there. After giving her an EpiPen, her parents dialed 911 to get treatment right away. As Hannah’s health deteriorated, first responders arrived and started life-saving measures. Her relatives talked about how powerless they felt as they watched her condition worsen. Hannah experienced seizures and her heart stopped for a few minutes during the ambulance ride to the hospital.
Doctors at the hospital verified that Hannah’s brain had swelled up significantly as a result of the reaction, and it was evident that the damage was irreparable. Knowing that she had no prospect of recovery, the family had to make the heartbreaking decision to remove her from life support.
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.
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