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Myriam Ducre-Lemay, like many 20-year-olds, was looking forward to spending some time with her new boyfriend at a party. After a fun night together, her new beau drove her home and planted a sweet goodnight kiss on her lips.
Unfortunately, the Montreal woman's boyfriend had eaten something just prior that would end up taking her life.
While Myriam had told her mother just two days earlier that she was in love, she hadn’t mentioned to her boyfriend that she had a severe peanut allergy. Not knowing this, he had eaten a peanut butter sandwich before driving Miriam home.
His goodnight kiss sent Myriam into anaphylactic shock, and she didn’t have her EpiPen with her.
EpiPens contain epinephrine, which when injected, help open airways to the lungs in the event of allergic reactions.
A 911 call was quickly made, but even with the help of paramedics, Myriam didn’t make it through the night.
This story is heartbreaking, but it comes with an important message. Micheline Ducre-Lemay, Myriam’s mother, is sharing the terrible story to inform and warn others. Those who have severe allergies like Myriam should always have an EpiPen with them, no matter what.
According to doctors, traces of allergens can stay in someone’s saliva for up to four hours after eating, which is exactly what killed Myriam.
Micheline is urging everyone to inform people of their allergies in addition to carrying an EpiPen. If Myriam had told her boyfriend about her severe allergy, or had her EpiPen handy, she may still be alive today.
While the loss of Myriam is sincerely saddening, it’s important to take her mother’s words to heart. Everyone can learn something from this story. Whether you or a loved one suffer from allergies, be sure to always be prepared- it could save a life!
