PEORIA HEIGHTS, Ill. (WMBD) – hundreds participated in the annual Red Sneakers for Oakley 5K walk and run at Tower Park this morning, demonstrating a powerful commitment to food allergy awareness and community safety.
The free,family-friendly event provided a safe and inclusive environment for those living with food allergies,featuring a 5K,games,giveaways,and snacks free of the Top 9 allergens.
Red Sneakers Peoria is driving a movement to make Peoria an allergy-friendly city, underscored by the impactful story of Shelly LeGere, who shared the tragic loss of her daughter, Annie, to an undetected food allergy. LeGere’s advocacy directly resulted in Annie’s Law in Illinois, enabling police officers to carry and administer epinephrine in emergency situations.
The law is already making a difference locally. red Sneakers Peoria has facilitated the donation of 200 auto-injectors and equipped 100 Peoria police officers with this perhaps life-saving medication.
“Our officers are dedicated to protecting the community, and now they have the tools to respond to severe allergic reactions,” explained Lindsey Spangler, Executive Director of Red Sneakers for Oakley. ”Carrying an EpiPen or auto-injector allows them to save a life when every second counts.”
Spangler confirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to expanding Peoria’s allergy-friendly initiatives, with a vision to replicate the model throughout Illinois and beyond.