Red Sneakers for Oakley

Red Sneakers for Oakley is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to educating and advocating for food allergy awareness to save lives.

 INSPIRED BY THE LIFE OF OAKLEY DEBBS

Red Sneakers for Oakley was established by Robert and Merrill Debbs after the death of their 

11-year-old son Oakley due to a fatal allergic reaction to nuts. Oakley loved his red sneakers 

and the family decided to use them as a powerful symbol for increased education and 

awareness among communities of people with food allergies, but also people who don’t have them.

Oakley suffered from both asthma and an allergy to nuts, and the Debbs believe they were 

ill prepared to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis, the acute multiorgan life-threatening 

reaction to allergens.

Since its establishment, Red Sneakers for Oakley has gained national exposure through 

supporters wearing red sneakers and has launched a multi-pronged approach to 

enable its mission and mobilize people to take action.