Allison Rose Foundation honors legacy of Independence teen; Inaugural event for food allergy awareness organization planned for Jan. 26

by Laura Straub

It is safe to say most parents worry about their children when they go away to college. But when Independence resident Michael Suhy dropped off his daughter, Allison Rose, at Ohio University, her nut allergy wasn’t a major concern for him or his wife, Rebecca.

“While it was a part of our everyday lives, we felt she was equipped with the knowledge she needed to manage it once she went away to school,” Michael said.

Allison, known by friends and family as Ally, was diagnosed with a severe nut allergy as a toddler when she developed a rash after coming in contact with a product that contained nuts.

Although she never had a reaction that required an injection of epinephrine, Ally came in contact with nuts a number of times and needed Benadryl to treat the symptoms.

Michael Suhy described Allison as a role model to her little brother Ryan. Photo courtesy M. Suhy

Growing up, Ally’s school created a safe haven for her and other children with nut allergies by seating them at the no-peanut table, identifying classroom treats and avoiding candy with nuts.

“It never defined her or caused her to be excluded from anything,” said Michael.

That held true as Ally flourished during her first months of college. She made friends, joined a sorority and began studying to become a teacher.

On the weekend of Nov. 3, 2017, she celebrated her first Dad’s Weekend with Michael. After a weekend in Athens packed with activities with his daughter, Michael arrived home in Independence to an unexpected phone call.

Ally had unknowingly eaten a product containing nuts. She went into an anaphylactic reaction, a condition that can be fatal if not treated immediately. Although she was taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance then airlifted to Columbus for further urgent care, the lack of oxygen caused by anaphylaxis ultimately took her life.

While driving home from Columbus immediately after her passing, Michael and Rebecca decided to honor Ally’s life and legacy by creating the Allison Rose Foundation.

Launched on Nov. 1, the foundation is dedicated to changing the lives of food allergy families through education, awareness, research and advocacy. The goal is to decrease and eliminate untimely deaths of children and young adults who suffer from food allergies.

Allison was a best friend and confidant to her sister, Jenna. Photo courtesy M. Suhy

“Our initial focus will be on education and scholarships,” Michael said. “We plan to develop educational platforms and curriculums for high school seniors and college freshmen that will generate an understanding of the severity of food allergies, how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an anaphylactic reaction and proper protocols in case of an emergency. This education is just as critical for those without food allergies as for those with food allergies.

“In addition, a scholarship in Allison’s name will be awarded to an Independence High School graduate with the idea that this scholarship program will expand to high schools in the region and beyond.’’

The Allison Rose Foundation will hold its first event on Jan. 26 from 7-10 p.m. at the Embassy Suites on Rockside Road in Independence.

“The Founder’s Event is our official kickoff and a community building opportunity,’’ Michael said. “Allison’s story and her life were so impactful that we wanted to bring together as many people as possible to carry on her mission of helping people.”

The event will also be an opportunity to remember Ally.

“Allison was the light of our life, the confidant and best friend to her 17-year-old sister Jenna, and the biggest sister and role model to her 9-year-old brother Ryan,” said Michael. “She, like our other two children, was our world.”

For more information about the Allison Rose Foundation, visit allisonrosefoundation.org.

 

Featured image photo caption: After the Suhy family lost their daughter Allison to an anaphylactic reaction last year, they decided to create a foundation in her name dedicated to changing the lives of food allergy families through education, awareness, research and advocacy. Photo courtesy of Michael Suhy