Yesterday we were able to volunteer at the Dodge County Antique Power Club Show for our second time. This show is full of antique power equipment, meaning lots of cool steam tractors and engines, tractor pulls, old threshing equipment, a blacksmiths shop, a huge old working sawmill, and lots more! Unfortunately, it ended up being the first rainy day that we’ve had in a long time, and the attendance was lower than normal. But we had a great time! We worked in the kitchen, helping with breakfast and lunch. We made pancakes, bacon, and sausage patties. Then we served burgers, brats, shredded chicken, hotdogs, white and chocolate milk, and baked beans with hotdog pieces in it. (I hope that you aren’t too hungry)
We were able to share Hannah’s Story with quite a few people, and they all listened intently. But, one man, in particular, took extra time to listen. After hearing Hannah’s Story, he shared a story of his own. He said that one day when he was 62, he ate a few peanuts like he had many times before, but this time something was different. Right after he swallowed, his throat began to itch. Then his tongue began to feel hard, and his face began to feel hard too. He ran to the bathroom, and when he looked at himself in the mirror, he could literally see his face swelling up! Quickly he ran to his car and drove himself to the hospital where they administered epinephrine. Again, even though he had eaten peanuts like a “normal” person for his entire life, on this day, at 62! it almost cost him his life!
This was another reminder of how sudden and serious allergies can be. It was also a reminder that allergies can form at any age! We are thankful that everything worked out well for him in the end, but things could easily have gone the other way. Without epinephrine, it would have been wiser for him to have called 911 and told them that he needed an ambulance with Epi. As he drove, he could have stopped breathing all together, blood pressure dropping could have caused him to lose consciousness, or any number of life-threatening situations could have prevented him from reaching the help that he needed. Now he has his own Epi, and he was very interested in and appreciated of the work that we are doing with allergy awareness and preparedness.
Thank you to everyone at the Dodge County Antique Power Club for allowing us to come and help. We had a great time and look forward to helping out next year.
We are blessed.
P.S. We can’t do this alone. If you would like to donate to Hannah Helps:
PayPal: paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/5609126
Venmo: venmo.com/u/hannahhelps19
Your support is needed and greatly appreciated!
Thank You!
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