Family Marks Death Of 13-Year-Old With New State Law
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Backers of a new state law, permitting first responders to carry EpiPens to counter several allergic reactions, celebrated Saturday, marking the first anniversary of the death of the 13-year-old girl who inspired the change.
Friends and family members planted a tree in front of Elmhurst's Sandberg Middle School, where Annie LaGere was a student, WBBM's Bob Roberts reports. Her mother Shelly fought back tears as she remembered Annie as a vibrant girl with a heart of gold, and thanked the girl's classmates for working hard to secure the measure's passage.
"They've never left me," LaGere said. "You'd think I'd be just another mom but these are some great kids and they are the future of Elmhurst."
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Sponsoring State Sen. Chris Nybo presented six of the students with pens used by Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign "Annie's Law," asking each of them to remain active in the community.
Annie's older brother Bob LaGere said the ceremony was bittersweet.
"Although we're feeling kind of sad at the moment," Bob LaGere said. "This is a happy day and the rest of the day we should celebrate and be happy that we've all made a difference."
Annie died Aug. 26, 2015, from brain injuries resulting from anaphylactic shock blamed on a severe allergic reaction. Police were on the scene within minutes but were not authorized to carry EpiPens under then-existing law and could not render her the needed aid.
While the new law permits first responders to carry EpiPens, it does not fund their sharply escalated cost. Elmhurst and DuPage County officials said they intend to equip first responders with EpiPens, but said they realize many agencies cannot afford current costs, which have escalated to as much as $600 for a two-pack.
Annie's parents said the next fight is to bring the cost down.
