Latest news with #TimothyHoward
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
This recent URI grad had a late-night snack. An allergic reaction killed him.
After their son, a recent University of Rhode Island graduate, died just days after his graduation from anaphylactic shock, a Massachusetts family is raising awareness about food allergies. Timothy Howard, who grew up in Southborough, Massachusetts, died May 24 from a severe allergic reaction to a late-night snack − a chocolate bar − that was contaminated with peanuts, his mother, Patty Howard, told USA TODAY. His whole body went into shock. He went into his parents' bedroom, and they administered three EpiPens, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions, but the reaction was "very fast," and the EpiPen "didn't work." The chocolate bar Timmy ate said "may contain" peanuts on the label, according to his parents. His mother says if a food label says it "may contain" your allergen, don't take the risk. Now, his family is sharing their story to prevent similar tragedies. His sister, Julia, says manufacturers need to make food labels clearer instead of relying on "may contain" warnings. His dad, Tim, says that individuals also need to carefully read those labels. Timmy Howard's Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers are raising money for the Food Allergy Research & Education, a nonprofit advocacy organization that spreads awareness and funds research for food allergies. They've raised nearly $28,000 as of June 12. The donations will go toward advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment options; supporting education programs in schools and communities; promoting life-saving awareness and emergency preparedness and advocating for stronger food allergy policies and labeling laws. "We don't want people to go through what we're going through after burying our child. This is hell," his mother says. Howard's story is frightening and not entirely uncommon. Food allergies impact more than 33 million people in the U.S. You can never assume a food or object is free of your allergen, experts say, as it can lurk in the most unexpected places. Fish and shellfish, for example, are sometimes dipped in milk to reduce their fishy odor, putting those with dairy allergies at risk. Cross-contamination – when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another – can also expose you to an allergen. Federal laws require that the nine most common allergens – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame – must be labeled on packaged foods sold in the U.S. However, there are no laws requiring manufacturers to say whether a product may have come into contact with a specific allergen, allowing potential cross-contamination to fly under the radar. Teenagers and young adults with food allergies are at the highest risk of fatal food-induced anaphylaxis. "This age group is a high-risk group," Timmy's mother says. "They are independent. They don't want to trouble people at a party to say, 'Hey, what's in this brownie?'" Contributing: Katie Camero and Providence Journal Staff reports. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Recent URI graduate dead after anaphylactic shock from food allergy
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Health
- USA Today
He had a late-night snack after graduating from college. An allergic reaction killed him.
Hear this story After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Timothy Howard had his whole life ahead of him. But that bright future was tragically cut short when he died just days later from a severe allergic reaction to a late-night snack — a chocolate bar — that was contaminated with peanuts, his mother, Patty Howard, told USA TODAY. Timmy's whole body went into shock. He went into his parents' bedroom, and they administered three EpiPens, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions, but the reaction was "very fast," and the EpiPen "didn't work." Now, his family is sharing their story to prevent other families from losing a loved one to food allergies. His sister, Julia, says manufacturers need to make food labels clearer instead of relying on "may contain" warnings. His dad, Tim, says that individuals also need to carefully read those labels. Timmy's college fraternity brothers are raising money for the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a nonprofit advocacy organization that spreads awareness and funds research for food allergies. They've raised nearly $28,000 as of June 10, according to his mother. Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle. "We don't want people to go through what we're going through after burying our child. This is hell," his mother says. How to check food labels for allergies Howard's story is frightening and not entirely uncommon. Food allergies impact more than 33 million people in the U.S. You can never assume a food or object is free of your allergen, experts say, as it can lurk in the most unexpected places. Fish and shellfish, for example, are sometimes dipped in milk to reduce their fishy odor, putting those with dairy allergies at risk. Cross-contamination – when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another – can also expose you to an allergen. Federal laws require that the nine most common allergens – milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame – must be labeled on packaged foods sold in the U.S. However, there are no laws requiring manufacturers to say whether a product may have come into contact with a specific allergen, allowing potential cross-contamination to fly under the radar. The chocolate bar Timmy ate said "may contain" peanuts on the label, according to his parents. His mother wants other parents to tell their kids – regardless of their age – to "be aware of what they're eating." "If it does say 'may contain,' don't eat it," she added. What health & wellness means for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's Keeping It Together newsletter. How to treat anaphylactic reactions Anaphylactic reactions most commonly occur in response to foods, insect stings, medications and latex, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. In addition to EpiPens, the FDA approved a new nasal spray in August 2024 as the first needle-free emergency treatment for potentially fatal allergic reactions. Neffy FDA approval: First nasal spray for allergic reactions gets green light The spray, which is made by ARS Pharmaceuticals and sold under the brand name Neffy, is seen as an alternative to EpiPen and other autoinjectors that are filled with epinephrine, a life-saving drug used by people at risk of anaphylaxis and other allergic reactions. However, these treatments don't always work. Epinephrine begins to work immediately after it is administered, but its full effect may take 5-10 minutes. And, the drug can begin to wear off within 20-30 minutes — sometimes before the allergic reaction has subsided. Timing is also crucial. For an epinephrine injection to work, it should be given at the first sign of an allergic reaction. "Let's come together in remembrance of Timmy and help build a safer future for all," Timmy's friends wrote on the fundraising page. Contributing: Katie Camero.
Daily Mail
08-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
College student, 22, dies from eating peanuts just days after graduating
A college student has died after eating a late-night snack that contained peanuts just days after graduating. Timothy Myles Howard, 22, died on May 24 after suffering a severe anaphylactic reaction, his heartbroken mother announced on social media. His parents Patty and Tim Howard said the horror transpired after Timothy ate a snack which was contaminated with the allergen. They did not say what the snack was. 'He came in and woke us up and said that he couldn't breathe. At that point, it unfolded very quickly,' Tim Howard told NBC affiliate 10WJAR. Timothy's parents administered his EpiPen and dialed 911, but it was too late. 'The reaction was too far gone,' his father said. Patty shared a Facebook post announcing her son's death eight days after sharing family photographs of his graduation from the University of Rhode Island. 'It is with heavy hearts we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts,' Patty wrote on the day her son passed away. 'We just celebrated his college graduation and he had his whole life ahead of him. Our hearts are broken and we now have joined a club no one wants to be apart of. 'Please hug your children a little tighter today, don't sweat the small stuff and spread kindness to this world. 'His college frat brothers have started a in loving memory fundraiser page to spread education, food allergy awareness and advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment options.' Howard, from Southborough, Massachusetts, gained his degree in Communications Studies from the University of Rhode Island on May 16. His relatives have launched a fundraiser in his memory, with the proceeds going towards the Food Allergy Research and Education organization. 'Let's spread awareness on food allergies and on advancing anaphylaxis research and treatment,' the fundraiser reads. The page also encourages people to consider becoming an organ donor, as Timothy was. 'Keep spreading kindness, love to others and keep dancing!' the fundraiser reads. 'Timmy was just beginning what promised to be a remarkable journey in life,' the page also adds. 'He was driven, kind, and deeply loved by family, friends, and everyone who had the joy of knowing him. 'He had so much ahead of him, and he approached life with a rare kind of kindness and light. He was the person you could always count on to listen—really listen. 'He never judged, never interrupted, and always made you feel like what you had to say mattered. 'Timmy had a way of making everyone around him feel safe and seen. He had a warm, calm presence that made people feel better just by being near him. His heartbroken mother, Patty Howard, shared a Facebook post announcing his death eight days after sharing family photographs of his graduation from the University of Rhode Island 'He didn't complain, even when things were hard. He always looked for the good in people and held on to hope when others couldn't. 'His positivity was quiet but powerful, and his heart was as genuine as they come. He truly was one of the good ones—gentle, thoughtful, and full of love for others. 'His unexpected passing has left a profound void, but we are committed to honoring his memory in a way that brings purpose and change.' The page has so far raised more than $27,500.
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Western New York leaders gather in Marilla to show support for correction officers on strike
MARILLA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Western New York leaders came together on Tuesday in a show of support for correctional officers across New York State, but it was also a show of force against decision-makers in Albany. Town supervisors, legislators and assemblymen from all over Erie County gathered at the Town of Marilla Community Center to stand behind the correction officers who have been on strike since last Monday. The strike is will be entering its 10th day on Wednesday, with no end in sight as mediations between the state, the Department of Corrections and the union representing correction officers continue. 'It's become evident that the correction officers are someone we need to stand by due to the situation that they are in,' said Marilla Town Supervisor Earl Gingerich. 'We want a safe environment for them with adequate staffing.' Over a dozen officials echoed the same message. Many of them expressed concerns for the officers who are mandated to work long hours, saying it's a safety hazard for not only the officers, but the inmates. 'How many of you would trust your lives in the hands of a pilot or a surgeon that's already been working for 36 hours?' said Wales Town Supervisor Timothy Howard. 'If it's not enough for all these other occupations, then it can't be done within there.' Collins Town Supervisor Kenneth Martin said he has attended meetings at Collins Correctional Facility where he learned that attacks on officers have doubled in recent years. He said he does not want to see that continue in his own backyard. 'They need to take all this stuff seriously,' Martin said. 'It's quality of life for everybody, safety of the correctional officers, safety of the inmates.' Residents also came out in numbers to express solidarity. 'I'm retired now, but in my old job I used to take care of a lot of the COs and they're very good people,' said Larry, a resident of Springville. 'They have families. They have homes and I just feel for them.' Assemblyman David DiPietro, who represents East Aurora, called on all local municipalities to pass resolutions in support of correction officers and to demand the repeal of the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement. 'Our correctional officers have been hung out to dry by Albany's reckless, pro-criminal policies,' DiPietro said in a statement provided to WIVB News 4. 'They are being forced into brutal double and triple shifts, facing life-threatening conditions, and left without the support they deserve. Meanwhile, the governor is nowhere to be found.' The towns of Cheektowaga and Marilla passed similar resolutions on Tuesday supporting correction officers. Town supervisors from Lancaster, Collins, Wales, Eden, Elma, Sardinia and Holland all said they plan to do so in the coming days. Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
