Annie’s Story
Annie LeGere passed away on August 26, 2015 as a result of anaphylactic shock, due to an unknown allergic reaction.  On August 17, 2015 Annie and her friends, who were about to enter 8^th grade, were having a “Back to School Sleepover” at a friend’s home.  A little after midnight, Annie began to experience shortness of breath, coughing, and was not feeling well. Annie called her mother and told her what was happening to her and said that she wanted to come home.  After Annie spoke to her mother her symptoms became worse and a call was made to 911 for assistance.  Annie went into respiratory arrest, was intubated and transported in an ambulance to Elmhurst Hospital. In the emergency room Annie went into cardiac arrest.  The hospital staff was able to restart her heart and stabilize her so she could be transported to Advocate Children’s Hospital at Lutheran General in Park Ridge.
At Lutheran General, Annie was placed in Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, and remained on a ventilator. During Annie’s stay and treatment at Lutheran General there were many hours of hope and disappointment. Because Annie’s brain was without oxygen, due to anaphylactic shock, swelling occurred and caused severe damage.  After nine days of positive thoughts and prayers, Annie passed away in the arms of her mother Shelly and her father John.
All About Amazing Annie
Annie was a gift and a blessing from God.  After the birth of their son, Bob John and Shelly waited nine years for Annie to come into their lives.  Annie had a contagious smile and a heart of gold. Annie had unconditional love for her family and friends. When someone would tell Annie that they loved her, she would respond that she loved them too “to the Moon and Back”. Annie was a defender of those who were different and less fortunate.  Annie was always positive, and loved hanging out with her friends and playing volleyball.
Our Mission and Goals
The Annie LeGere Foundation Inc., “To the Moon and Back” mission is to support allergy awareness and research, to educate parents and children on the symptoms of allergic reaction and what to do when they happen. It is also important that we work to require First Responders and schools to stock Epipens and train their staff in anaphylaxis and its treatment.