Two grade 5 students, in Airdrie, Alberta turned a persuasive writing assignment into a lesson about allergy safety and how to respond in an emergency situation.
Muriel Clayton students Allie Bleichert and Ashleigh Stewart, both 10, were in touch with the makers of epinephrine auto-injectors, asking for training devices. Their goal: to educate everyone in their school district on how to use an epinephrine auto-injector.
Both girls have allergies and carry their own auto-injectors at all times. They came up with the idea to train their fellow students on how to use them, and their teacher Suzanne Krienke encouraged them to use persuasive letter-writing to get the devices.
“I hope that others will understand how they can easily help, even save lives, by learning how to properly use an auto-injector,” says Suzanne. “I hope that people like Allie and Ashleigh feel safe and confident knowing that there will be many people who are able to help them if they needed it.”
Allerject® and EpiPen® have provided free devices, enough for 15 schools in Airdrie. Now the girls, teachers and staff are planning the training.
“The administration has been very supportive,” adds Suzanne. “Everyone has encouraged and commended the girls. The girls are so happy. Both they and their parents are very proud – as am I!”
Way to go, Allie, Ashleigh and teacher Suzanne for all your hard work. You are truly allergy heroes! And special thanks to Allerject® and EpiPen®, for providing the training device and helping our schools and people with food allergies.