A Port Hardy family is fighting for public access to EpiPens after a 14-year-old boy lost his life after a severe allergic reaction.
Malakai Flores passed away during a hockey trip to the Comox Valley on Sept. 28, after he ate a snack, unaware that it contained cashews. He experienced a severe anaphylactic shock.
"Malakai lived his life bigger than most of us. He was kind, sweet, caring, and always thinking of others," reads a GoFundMe description set up by Samantha Mtatiro and Chelsea Landy on behalf of Flores' mother, Jerika McArter. "His love language was giving - he would happily gift, share, or host anyone who needed anything. He was strong, athletic, and full of love, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who knew him."
The GoFundMe was set up to help support Flores' family. Donations will go to funeral costs and provide relief from the financial burdens, "so his family can focus on grieving and honouring his beautiful life without added stress."
In addition to the GoFundMe page, McArter started a petition on change.org calling for widespread access to EpiPens during emergencies.
"We call on policymakers to make EpiPens as accessible as Narcan in our communities. This means ensuring all food establishments, schools, first aid kits, and firefighters carry EpiPens, so everyone experiencing a severe allergic reaction can receive quick and potentially life-saving intervention," she said in the petition.
Currently, Narcan is readily available to address opioid overdoses, demonstrating that the widespread accessibility of emergency medication is possible and effective. EpiPens, which can prevent anaphylactic shock and save lives, should be no different. The time taken to reach a hospital or retrieve a misplaced EpiPen could be critical in preventing fatalities."
McArter concluded the petition, which has been dubbed Malakai's Bill, by saying that implementing these measures can prevent unnecessary tragedies.
As of Oct. 15 morning, the petition has over 6,500 signatures. The GoFundMe has raised $34,540 at the same time.
